How to grow celery in a raised bed

Celery has a reputation for being tricky, but the secret is simple: water and rich soil, both in generous supply. A raised bed makes it easy to keep the moisture up.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 25 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 4–5 months

When should I plant celery?

Celery likes a long, mild, cool season — plant from late summer through autumn in warm areas, or spring in cooler ones. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): February to August
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): August to February
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): September to January
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to May
• Arid inland: February to August

How do I grow celery in a raised bed?

Plant into very rich, moisture-holding mix. The number-one rule is never let it dry out — celery grown dry turns stringy and bitter. A drip watering system takes the worry out of it.

How often should I water and feed celery?

Keep the mix constantly moist and feed regularly — celery is one of the thirstiest, hungriest crops you'll grow. Mulch well to hold the moisture.

What pests attack celery?

Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect celery?

The main ones are leaf spot and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with celery?

It grows happily near leeks, and the two are good kitchen partners too. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest celery?

Harvest outer stalks as you need them and let the plant grow on, or cut the whole bunch at the base. Use it fresh.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Ellywa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.