Stalk Vegetables

When gardeners talk about celery, they may not always mean the same thing. There are three main types—Pascal (stalk celery), Leaf celery, and Celeriac (celery root). I’ve grown all three over the years, and each has its own strengths in the garden and kitchen. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right type for…

Grow an early and late or main crop of celery each growing season. The early crop will be harvested in August; the late crop will be harvested in September or October, before the first fall frost. Start celery seed indoors. Sow seed for the early or August harvest in February. Set young plants in the…

After more than 30 years of growing celery in my raised beds, I’ve learned that variety selection makes all the difference. Some celery varieties thrive in cooler climates, while others handle heat better. Certain types are bred for thick, crunchy stalks, while others are more tender and ideal for soups. Choosing the right variety will…

Watering celery correctly is one of the most important factors in growing crisp, tender stalks. From my years of gardening, I’ve learned that celery is far less forgiving than many vegetables when it comes to uneven moisture. If the soil dries out, stalks can turn stringy, tough, or hollow. If it’s overwatered, roots may rot….

Celery is a heavy-feeding, water-loving vegetable that requires consistent nutrition for crisp, tender stalks. Over my 30+ years of gardening in Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned that proper fertilization throughout the growing season can dramatically improve both flavor and yield. Underfed celery often produces stringy, bitter stalks, while well-fed plants thrive with lush growth. This guide…