How to Grow Celery in Texas Clay Soil
- 1). Amend the Texas clay soil with "one to two inches of good sand and two to three inches of organic matter to soil surface in late winter or early spring," recommends Texas A&M Extension. Mix it well into the clay at a depth of six to eight inches.
- 2). Apply a preplant fertilizer to the Texas clay soil a few days before planting the celery. Fertilize with 10-20-10 or 12-24-12, applying one to two pounds per 100 square feet, advises Texas A&M Extension.
- 3). Plant celery seeds indoors in individual pots six to eight weeks before planting them outside. Transplant into your prepared vegetable garden after the last frost in the spring spacing "1 foot apart in rows 2 to 2 ½ feet apart," recommends Gardener's Net.
- 4). Water celery up to two inches a week from rainwater or from irrigation, making sure to soak the soil, recommends Utah State University Extension. Celery will dry out if not watered frequently, resulting in bitter tasting celery.
- 5). Apply one to two inches of organic mulch, such as bark or peat moss, to retain necessary moisture and to prevent weeds from growing in your garden.
- 6). Apply two pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet six weeks after planting. Apply "nitrogen at ½ lb (46-0-0) per 100 square feet four weeks later," according to Utah State University Extension. Keep track using a calendar or journal.