Best Companion Plants for Celery [and Which to Avoid]

Unlock the benefits of companion planting for celery! Boost yields, deter pests, and enhance garden health with these tips.

Celery, with its crisp texture and distinct taste, is a favorite in many dishes. Yet, cultivating it is no small feat. Its growth demands can deter many gardeners, but those who persevere are rewarded with flavorsome varieties that surpass the typical offerings in grocery stores.

If your celery plants are giving you a hard time, there's a natural and synergistic approach to consider: companion planting. This age-old technique balances the strengths and needs of different plants, enhancing overall yields, reducing manual effort, and addressing common challenges such as pests.

In this article, we'll delve deep into companion planting for celery, offering insights into the best plant partners and the mutual benefits they bring.

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Best companion plants for celery

Plant	Primary Benefits	Additional Notes
Mint	Repels rabbits and insect pests	Invasive, best grown in a nearby container
Nasturtiums	Deters common pests like flea beetles	Acts as a trap crop for aphids
Marigolds	Repels insects	Also traps slugs and snails
Cosmos	Invites beneficial insects	Attracts parasitic wasps
Herbs (Rosemary, Sage, Basil, Thyme)	Insect-repelling odor	Require less water, best in nearby containers
Dill	Repels pests and attracts pollinators	Attracts pollinators that may help nearby plants set fruit
Beans (Bush, Pole, Peas)	Boosts soil nitrogen	Helps celery grow faster and develop deeper green color
Spinach	Shares growing requirements	Efficient use of water and fertilizer
Brassica Crops (Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Kale)	Deters brassica pests	Provides shade for celery seedlings
Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots)	Repels pests and may improve flavor	Leave 16 inches between crops
Chamomile	May improve celery flavor

What not to plant near celery

Plants to Avoid with Celery	Reasons to Avoid	Additional Notes
Carrots	Attract the same pests	Same plant family as celery
Turnips	Attract the same pests	Same plant family as celery
Parsley	Attract the same pests	Same plant family as celery
Parsnips	Attract the same pests	Same plant family as celery
Potatoes	Can disturb celery roots	Harvesting can affect celery's shallow roots
Rutabagas	Can disturb celery roots	Harvesting can affect celery's shallow roots
Cilantro	Mixed results with celery	Some gardeners find benefits, others don’t

Things to know about growing celery

Growing celery from seed requires lots of patience and perseverance. This picky plant will teach you the importance of providing the right growing conditions, making it a challenge for even experienced gardeners.

Celery loves lots of water, fertile soil, good drainage, and bright sun. A lack of the right conditions can produce stringy and flavorless celery.

Celery takes about 16 weeks to mature, and it prefers to avoid having its roots bothered while it grows. Therefore, it's a good idea not to plant it too close to any below-ground crops where the roots can get harmed during harvest.

In addition, it is also prone to several damaging pests like aphids and rabbits. One way to protect celery plants is by companion gardening with herbs and vegetables that can keep pests away and improve flavor. 

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Mastering the art of companion planting with celery can greatly enhance your gardening success. By thoughtfully choosing its neighbors, you not only protect this delicious veggie from pests but also unlock its full flavor potential. Happy gardening!