When to plant Celery in Dutton, MT
Plant Celery in Dutton after May 25; the prime window is May 18–June 8. A second sowing from June 24 to July 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Dutton, MT
Your June planting checklist for Teton County, Montana
A quick June briefing for Teton County, Montana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Kick off the fall garden with celery
Your first frost is about 12 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: celery
Celery is a marshland plant that requires consistent moisture and cool temperatures to produce crisp, flavorful stalks. It is a rewarding but demanding garden crop.
Dutton, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 25 and the first fall frost is September 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.
At an elevation of 8,276 feet, Teton County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celery successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Dutton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Celery Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Dutton
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) is more alkaline than Celery prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Teton County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Celery is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Celery Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Celery
Celery needs approximately 1.3 inches of water per week (5.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celery Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.6" | 1.7" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 1.2" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 1.4" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 1.7" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 1.3" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Teton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celery Planting Timeline — Dutton, MT
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | August 17 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 |
| Fall Sowing | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
114 days in Teton County
Growing Tips for Celery in Dutton
Direct sow Celery outdoors after May 25 in Teton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 114.0-day growing season in Teton County is tight for Celery (80.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Teton County receives only 15" of rain annually. Celery needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Keep soil consistently moist and never let it dry out. Blanch stalks by mounding soil or using collars for milder flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celery in Other Locations
When should I plant Celery in Dutton, MT?
In Dutton, MT, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 25) and before the first frost (around September 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dutton, MT for Celery?
Dutton sits in USDA Zone 4b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Dutton's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Dutton's temperate climate. Dutton averages a 114-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 25 and first frost around September 16.
Your Teton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Teton County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.