Start These 2 Veggies in January or It Will Be Too Late

When it comes to growing celery, timing is just as important as technique. Starting celery in January is essential for ensuring it reaches maturity before the summer heat arrives, which can cause the plants to bolt or become too tough to enjoy. Celery has a slow growth cycle, and starting it early in the year allows it to develop strong, healthy stalks that are tender and flavorful by the time harvest season rolls around.

Why Start Celery in January?

1. Slow Growth Rate: Celery requires a long growing period of up to 5 months. Starting it in January gives the plants plenty of time to develop before the warmer weather.
2. Cooler Conditions: Celery thrives in cooler conditions during its early growth stages. Starting it in January allows the plant to grow during the cooler months before the hot summer temperatures arrive.
3. Bolting Prevention: Celery can be prone to bolting (flowering prematurely), especially when temperatures rise too quickly. By planting it early, you allow the plant to grow at a steady pace before the summer heat can trigger this process.
4. Improved Flavor: Celery grown in cooler weather tends to have better flavor and texture. When started in January, the plant can take advantage of the cooler growing period and produce crisp, tender stalks that are full of flavor.

How to Plant Celery

Starting celery from seed indoors is the most common and reliable method. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Seeds: Celery seeds are tiny, so it’s essential to use a fine, seed-starting mix that will help them germinate properly. Fill seed trays or small containers with this mix.
2. Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle the celery seeds on the surface of the soil, and lightly press them in with a flat tool or your fingers. Celery seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering them with soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, as celery seeds are prone to damping off (a fungal disease that can kill seedlings).
3. Germination: Celery seeds typically take 10-14 days to germinate, but be patient as they can sometimes take a bit longer. Keep the seed trays in a warm, bright location to encourage germination. A temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) is ideal.
4. Thin and Transplant: Once your celery seedlings have sprouted and are about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out to give the remaining plants enough space to grow. If you’re starting the seeds in trays, thin them to about 1-2 inches apart. Once the weather warms up in early spring, you can transplant your seedlings into the garden. Make sure to harden them off gradually by placing them outside for a few hours each day before transplanting them into the ground.
5. Spacing and Location: Celery requires a lot of space to grow properly. Space plants about 10-12 inches apart to allow the stalks room to develop. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun for most of the day, although celery can tolerate a bit of shade in hotter climates.
6. Water and Fertilize: Celery requires consistent moisture, so water the plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Fertilize celery with a balanced fertilizer, applying it every 3-4 weeks. Be sure to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plants to grow too quickly, leading to weak stalks.

Tips for Growing Celery

• Cooler Temperatures: Celery prefers cool temperatures, ideally between 55-70°F (13-21°C). If you live in a hot climate, consider providing some afternoon shade or using row covers to protect the plants from extreme heat.
• Soil Requirements: Celery thrives in rich, loamy soil that is well-draining but retains moisture. It’s important to amend your soil with compost or organic matter to improve its fertility.
• Regular Harvesting: Once the celery stalks reach the desired size, you can begin harvesting them. Instead of pulling the whole plant, cut the outer stalks first, allowing the center stalks to continue growing.
• Mulching: Use mulch around the celery to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Mulching also helps to keep the soil temperature stable, which is beneficial during the warmer months.

Other Vegetables to Start in January

While onions and celery are the focus for January planting, there are other vegetables that also benefit from an early start. These include:

1. Leeks: Like onions, leeks need a long growing season. Start them indoors in January and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.
2. Brussels Sprouts: These hardy vegetables can be started indoors in January. They take a long time to mature, so starting them early gives them a head start before the summer heat arrives.
3. Cabbage: Cabbage plants can be started in January and then transplanted in early spring. This allows them to grow before the temperatures rise and encourages tight, compact heads.
4. Broccoli: Start broccoli indoors in January for an early spring harvest. Broccoli can tolerate some frost, which makes it a great choice for an early planting.

Conclusion

January is the perfect time to start onions and celery, two vegetables that require a long growing season to thrive. By starting them early, you’ll give them the best chance to develop into strong, healthy plants that will provide a bountiful harvest later in the year. Whether you’re planting onions to enjoy in summer dishes or celery for hearty soups and salads, starting these crops in January will help you get ahead of the growing season and ensure you enjoy a successful harvest. So, don’t wait too long—plant these two veggies now, and you’ll reap the benefits later!