When to Plant Celery in Marathon County, WI
May to-do list for Marathon County, Wisconsin
Your garden in Marathon County, Wisconsin is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Plant out celery
Your last frost (May 11) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Seed celery outdoors
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Marathon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 723 feet, Marathon County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall.
Marathon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 Marathon County
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marathon County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Celery will thrive.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celery
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 10.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.6" | 5" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.5" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 4.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.6" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 3.1" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 3" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Marathon 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 — Marathon County, WI
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Marathon County
Growing Tips for Celery in Marathon County
Direct sow Celery outdoors after May 11 in Marathon 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 Marathon County, WI?
Marathon County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marathon County, WI?
Marathon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Marathon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marathon 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.