Common Pests:
Aphids

Slugs and snails

Spider mites

Use insecticidal soap, handpick pests, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Diseases:
Leaf blight

Root rot (from overwatering)

Ensure good drainage and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Step 12: Blanching Celery for Milder Flavor (Optional)
Traditional celery is often blanched to reduce bitterness and tough fibers:

About 2 weeks before harvest, mound soil or wrap stalks tightly with paper or cardboard to block sunlight.

This produces pale, tender stalks.

In containers, this step is optional; many varieties are paler and milder without blanching.

Step 13: Harvesting Your Homegrown Celery
Celery is ready to harvest when stalks are about 6-8 inches tall and firm.

How to Harvest:
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut stalks at the base.

You can harvest entire plants or pick outer stalks first and let the inner stalks continue growing.

Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.

Step 14: Storing and Using Your Fresh Celery
Store freshly harvested celery wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge.

Use within 1-2 weeks for best crunch.

Celery is great fresh, steamed, juiced, or in soups.

Troubleshooting Common Problems