Growing Celery- Benefits and Instructions
Benefits of Growing Celery
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Health Benefits- Supports digestive health, reduces inflammation, help manage blood pressure, and improve cognition.
- Nutritional Profile - Vitamins C, Beta carotene, Flavonoids.
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Use in: Soups, salads, stews, fresh eating, juicing, stir fry.
Growing Instructions
Culture:
Sun Exposure: Full sun.
Soil: Soil pH of 5.8-6.8. Prefers well draining soil with plenty of organic material, either well rotted manure or compost.
Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch is beneficial for retaining moisture and temperature levels.
Planting: Because of celery's long germination period, it is recommended to start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost. Soaking seeds in warm water overnight before planting can speed up germination. Place upto 3 seeds on top of soil and firm into place. Place in a very bright location or under grow lights. When seedlings are 2 inches tall transplant them into individual pots. Seedlings are ready to be planted outside when they have grown 3 true leaves.
Spacing: Plant 4 celery plants per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method. Or plant in rows 6 inches apart. Plants can be planted upto 4 inches apart in containers.
Sow seeds: Sow seeds directly on top of soil as celery needs light to germinate.
Harvesting:
Celery can be harvested when the stalks are at least six inches tall from the bottom of the stalk to the first leaf. You can also harvest individual stalks from the outside of the plant
Storage/Preparation:
Celery is best stored whole wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in the crisper of the refrigerator. This can keep celery fresh for many weeks. If celery is cut, it is recommended to be stored in a container with water. Celery also freezes and pickles very well.
Companions:
Bush beans, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, onions, spinach and tomatoes.