Arugula Planting Dates Rhode Island

Arugula, often referred to as rocket, is a nutritious leafy green that is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium and iron. It’s a favorite in many kitchens, commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and various 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 and fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Rhode Island’s climate is characterized by its coastal conditions and four distinct seasons. This variation allows for the successful growth of arugula, particularly during the cooler months of spring and fall, providing an optimal environment for this leafy green to thrive.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Using the right tools can improve your chances of successful germination.

Seeds

High-quality seeds lead to better germination rates. Selecting vigorous seed varieties will set the stage for a fruitful harvest. The Astro variety is widely recommended due to its favorable growth characteristics.

This variant is noted for its resilience and ability to yield throughout the season, offering long, silky leaves with a nutty flavor profile.

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

Planting Trays

Planting trays are essential for managing seedlings, providing them with the necessary space to grow before transplanting outdoors. This organization leads to a more efficient planting process.

Grow Lights

If natural sunlight is insufficient, grow lights become essential for strong seedlings. They provide the necessary light spectrum for optimal growth, particularly important during late winter or early spring.

Seed Starting Soil

Using a light, finely textured seed starting soil helps establish young roots quickly, ensuring robust plant health. It’s a crucial investment for giving seedlings a strong start.

Average First Frost Dates for Rhode Island’s Major Cities

For successful outdoor planting, knowing your area’s frost dates is vital to achieving optimal flavor and growth.

City	Average First Frost Date
Providence	October 15
Warwick	October 10
Pawtucket	October 15
Cranston	October 10
East Providence	October 15

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

Greenhouse Growing

In the cooler climate, utilizing a greenhouse can significantly enhance growing conditions for arugula. It protects the plants from unpredictable temperature swings and frost, thus extending the growing season. A greenhouse also allows for more consistent humidity and temperature control, essential for achieving healthy plant growth.

Fertilizer

To ensure robust growth in your arugula plants, applying the right fertilizer is vital. Quality products replenish soil nutrients and foster vigorous growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Rhode Island:

Broccoli Planting in Rhode Island

Pumpkin Planting in Rhode Island

Tomato Planting in Rhode Island

Any questions on growing arugula? Visit our forum to discuss: Garden Forum.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, particularly during dry spells.
• Watering at the base helps prevent leaf wetness, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Using a balanced fertilizer at planting and again as the plants establish themselves enhances growth. Incorporating compost will also improve soil health.

Pest and Disease Management

• Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Regular monitoring is crucial, especially during warm months.
• Utilizing organic or integrated pest management techniques ensures healthy plants.

Harvesting

• Pick leaves when they reach sizes of 3-6 inches. Regular harvesting will encourage new growth.

In my experience, I plant arugula in both spring and fall for the best results, as it thrives in cooler conditions. If you’re short on time, young plants can be sourced from local garden centers.

Recognizing the right time to harvest involves looking for leaves that are about 2-3 inches long. Regularly cutting leaves can stimulate further growth, prolonging your harvest season.

Don’t forget to regularly inspect for pests, taking action as needed. With attentive care, cultivating arugula can be a gratifying endeavor, adding delectable flavors to your culinary creations.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Rhode Island (Zone 6a), begin indoor arugula seed starting around March 15 to April 15. This ensures robust seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors starting from late April to early May when the danger of frost has diminished.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 25 to May 15, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 45°F. Space seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows that are about 12-18 inches apart for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, as arugula prefers evenly damp conditions for optimal growth. Rhode Island’s moderate climate will require regular checks on soil moisture.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, which helps to prevent fungus and other diseases.

Fertilizing

• Use a balanced fertilizer at planting, and consider a mid-season boost if plants appear to be lacking vigor. Incorporating compost can enhance soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

• Watch for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Maintaining healthy soil and plants can help to deter these pests.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and introduce beneficial insects when possible to manage pest populations.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach a usable size, typically 4-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new leaf growth and prolongs the harvest period.

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.