Arugula Planting Dates New Hampshire

Arugula, often referred to as rocket, is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. This peppery green is favored in various culinary dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	April 15 – June 30
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks until late summer
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The variable climate allows for a shorter growing season, making it essential to understand the best planting conditions for arugula to ensure healthy growth in the region.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Utilizing the right tools can enhance your success rate and streamline the planting process.

Seeds

Using high-quality seeds can improve germination rates and lead to healthier plants. Starting with premium seeds gives your arugula a solid head start.

For perennial varieties, you may consider the wild rocket types, which tend to be slightly spicier and return each year.

The Astro variant is commonly used and is known for its vigorous growth, yielding long, silky leaves with a delicious nutty flavor.

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

Planting Trays

Planting trays can help organize and provide ample space for seedlings before they are transplanted outdoors, increasing the chances of strong growth.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are particularly beneficial if natural sunlight is limited, providing essential light for healthy seedlings even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil designed for seed starting can help young roots establish quickly and promote healthy plant growth.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities in the Region

Plant arugula outdoors approximately 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in autumn to optimize growth and flavor.

City	Average First Frost Date
Concord	October 15
Manchester	October 20
Nashua	October 10
Keene	October 25

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates; actual conditions may vary. It is advisable to monitor local forecasts and adjust planting accordingly.

Greenhouse Growing

Utilizing a greenhouse can significantly enhance growing conditions for arugula in colder regions. This controlled environment helps to extend the growing season, allowing for year-round cultivation. Additionally, greenhouses protect crops from harsh weather conditions, ensuring a stable temperature for optimal growth.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE is available on Amazon for $999.00.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For maximizing arugula growth, supplementing with fertilizer ensures a nutrient-rich soil, leading to bountiful and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizers help replenish soil nutrients, promoting vigorous plant development.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for New Hampshire:

When to Plant Broccoli in New Hampshire

When to Plant Pumpkins in New Hampshire

When to Plant Kale in New Hampshire

Any questions on growing arugula? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Arugula.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist while avoiding overwatering to promote healthy growth.
• Water at the base to reduce leaf wetness and lower the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Use a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when the first true leaves appear. Adding compost can enhance soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

• Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Prompt pest management is key.
• Employ organic or integrated pest management techniques to safeguard arugula from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach about 3-6 inches long, as this promotes further new growth.

In my personal experience, I aim to plant arugula both in spring and fall to achieve optimal yields. It flourishes in cooler weather. If starting from seeds is not feasible, you can find healthy young plants at local nurseries.

If you’re uncertain about when to harvest, look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long, and remember to regularly pick leaves for extended harvests. A vigilant approach towards pests like aphids will help ensure a fruitful growing experience that enhances your culinary endeavors.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In New Hampshire (Zone 5a to 5b), begin indoor arugula seed starting between late March and early April. This timeline helps ensure healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April to early May, once the risk of frost has minimized.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from mid to late April, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 12-18 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water deeply and frequently to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells in New Hampshire’s variable climate.
• Water at the base of the plant to minimize leaf wetness, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again when plants start to grow vigorously. Utilizing well-composted materials can boost soil health.

Pest and Disease Management

• Monitor regularly for common pests such as slugs, aphids, and flea beetles, especially in the moist conditions of New Hampshire.
• Implement organic methods and good garden hygiene to manage pests and maintain healthy plants.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula when the leaves are young, tender, and at least 3 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages further growth and prevents bolting.

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.