STORING CELERY
Michigan State University Extension 
Preserving Food Safely - 01600021 
08/03/99 

Storage can be done in several ways. Late celery may be 
stored in the garden for 1 to 2 months by building up soil 
at the base of the plant. Gradually build up the bank of 
soil to the top of the plant. This should be done before 
winter sets in. As the weather gets colder, cover the 
plants with straw held down by boards. 

Celery may also be dug out of the garden, with the roots 
still attached, and placed in the basement or root cellar 
before freezing temperatures occur. Set the plants on the 
floor and pack them together tightly. If kept moderately 
moist, the plants will keep 1 to 2 months. 

A third method of storage would be to place the plants in 
a trench. The trench should be 10 to 12 inches wide and 24 
inches deep. Again, dig out the plants leaving the soil 
attached, pack the celery closely into the trench, and then 
water. Allow the plant tops to dry off. Make a sloping roof 
for the trench and cover it with straw adding more straw as 
the weather gets colder. Celery will keep in this storage 
until late winter. 

Celery should not be stored with turnips or cabbage as the 
flavor of the celery will be tainted. The temperature of the 
storage area should be near 32 degrees Fahrenheit and the 
humidity moderate. The roots should be in moist sand or 
soil. 


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