Can you leave celery in the ground over winter?

Celery is hardy enough to withstand light frosts of fall, but it suffers if caught by hard freezes. Gardeners in several climate zones must adopt other measures to keep the roots alive during the winter.

Soil preparation increases the likelihood of your plant surviving the winter intact. Make a mound of earth about the base of each plant in the fall. This protects the root system from severe frost. Fertilize with a fertilizer high in potash late in the summer. The potash makes cell walls tougher, so they are less susceptible to rupture from freezing. Cut out all nitrogen after August, for the same reason.

These adapt surprisingly well to growing indoors. Pots should be moved inside before the weather gets cold (below 40°F, 4°C). Place them near windows facing South and receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. Water only when the surface of the soil in pots is dry. Humidify the atmosphere around them with pebble trays. Stand around a central pedestal to ensure that they grow evenly, as they should be turned once a week.

Check plants frequently during the cold months and be on the alert for rodent damage when pulling aside mulch. Clear away when a foot (30 cm) or more has accumulated or if more than 6 inches (15 cm) of snow has fallen. Air row covers on sunny days when the temperature starts climbing over 45°F (7°C). Look inside the covers for signs of fungus if the area remains damp. Spray right away with copper fungicide.

Watch your Spring recovery. Remove your covering by degrees as soon as there is no likelihood of 28° frost at night. Use your compost tea to bring all growing plants forward as much as possible. And _don't forget_ to lift your celery crowns before they begin to bolt in the late Spring months.

Read the full article: How to Grow Celery: Expert Tips for Success