When to Plant Celery in Meigs County, TN
May to-do list for Meigs County, Tennessee
Each item below is timed to Meigs County, Tennessee's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start celery under lights
These need a head start before your last frost (April 7). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: 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.
Meigs County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 3,095 feet, Meigs County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.
Meigs County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Meigs County
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Meigs County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celery
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.6" | 2.9" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 3.4" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 4.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 3.6" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 3.2" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 2.4" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Meigs 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 — Meigs County, TN
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Meigs County
Growing Tips for Celery in Meigs County
Direct sow Celery outdoors after April 07 in Meigs County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celery in Meigs County, TN?
Meigs County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Meigs County, TN?
Meigs County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Meigs County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Meigs County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.