Arugula Planting Dates Nebraska

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a nutritious leafy green packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. This peppery green is a favorite in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	April 1 – May 15
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks during spring
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The varied climate and USDA Hardiness Zones in the region provide an interesting growing environment for arugula. Understanding the optimal conditions for planting and maintaining healthy plants is essential.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Utilizing the right tools can enhance your success in growing arugula.

Seeds

Choosing quality seeds ensures better germination rates and robust plants. Starting with high-quality seeds sets your arugula up for success from the start. For perennial varieties, look for wild rocket types, which can be spicier yet return annually. The most commonly used variety is Astro, a vigorous and all-season cut-and-come-again type with silky leaves and a nutty flavor.

You can find Astro Arugula Seeds on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4gTTIgT

Planting Trays

Using planting trays helps organize your seedlings, ensuring they have enough space to grow before being transplanted outdoors. This method enhances efficiency and promotes healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are crucial if natural sunlight is insufficient. They provide the necessary light for seedlings to develop strong and healthy even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Light and fine soil designed for seed starting encourages rapid root establishment and healthy growth, providing seedlings the best possible start.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Nebraska’s Major Cities

For optimal arugula growth, sow seeds outdoors in Nebraska approximately 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn.

City	Average First Frost Date
Omaha	October 15
Lincoln	October 10
Grand Island	October 5
North Platt	September 30
Fremont	October 15

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It’s advisable to monitor local weather forecasts and adjust planting accordingly.

Greenhouse Growing

Utilizing a greenhouse in colder climates can protect arugula from frost while providing a controlled environment for year-round cultivation. This setup helps maintain an ideal temperature, which is particularly advantageous during the colder months, allowing for extended harvesting periods.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE can be found at Amazon for $999.00 right now.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

To achieve the best results with your arugula in Nebraska, using fertilizer enhances growth and supports plentiful harvesting. Quality fertilizer replenishes soil nutrients, leading to vigorous plants.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Nebraska:

Broccoli Planting in Nebraska

Pumpkin Planting in Nebraska

Tomato Planting in Nebraska

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Cucumbers Forum.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Nebraska (Zone 5a to 6a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between March 15 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late April to early May once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 25 to May 10, ensuring the soil has warmed above 50°F consistently. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 18 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and thorough watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Nebraska’s varying climate may require adjustments in watering frequency depending on rainfall and temperature.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and when the first true leaves form. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like leaf miners, aphids, and caterpillars. Vigilance is important to keep arugula healthy.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach about 3-6 inches in length. Regular harvesting promotes continuous growth and prevents over-mature leaves.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.