Arugula Planting Dates South Dakota

Arugula, often referred to as rocket, is a nutrient-dense leafy green that thrives in various climates. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron, it’s a favorite for salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

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

Planting Conditions

This region experiences a mix of warm and cool seasons that can be advantageous for growing arugula. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 4a to 5b, understanding the best planting conditions is vital for achieving healthy growth.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Utilizing the right tools can greatly enhance your planting experience and success rate.

Seeds

Selecting high-quality seeds is crucial for better germination and robust plants. The wild rocket varieties are known for being a bit spicier and come back every year if grown as perennials.

The most common choice is the Astro variant, a vigorous, all-season, cut-and-come-again variety that boasts long, silky leaves with a delightful nutty flavor.

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

Planting Trays

Utilizing planting trays helps in organizing your seedlings and ensures they have adequate space before being transplanted outdoors. This approach not only makes the process more efficient but also enhances the chances of nurturing strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential when natural sunlight is insufficient, providing seedlings with the necessary light for robust growth, particularly in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specially formulated for seed starting aids young roots in establishing quickly and promotes healthy growth, ensuring that your seedlings have the best start possible.

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Average Frost Dates for Major Cities

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

City	Average First Frost Date
Sioux Falls	October 1
Rapid City	October 10
Aberdeen	September 20
Brookings	October 5
Yankton	October 15

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

Greenhouse Growing

In colder climates, utilizing a greenhouse can effectively shield arugula from harsh conditions. This controlled environment allows for year-round cultivation and maintains consistent temperatures, which is especially beneficial during winter months. Moreover, greenhouses help prolong the growing season for this leafy green.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE is currently priced at $999.00 on Amazon.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

To ensure optimal growth, supplementing with fertilizer can help maintain abundant harvests in arugula. Quality fertilizer replenishes soil nutrients and supports vigorous plant development.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for South Dakota:

Broccoli Planting in South Dakota

Pumpkin Planting in South Dakota

Tomato Planting in South Dakota

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist to promote healthy growth, particularly in dry periods.
• Water at the base to minimize excess moisture on leaves, helping to prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when the first true leaves appear. Incorporating compost can boost soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Active pest management is crucial, especially in warmer months.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to keep your arugula healthy.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach sizes between 3-6 inches long. Regular picking encourages continued growth.

In my garden, I plant arugula in both spring and fall for the best yields, as it flourishes in cooler temperatures. If starting from seeds seems daunting, young arugula plants are readily available at local nurseries.

Look for leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long for harvesting. Picking leaves regularly promotes new growth and prolongs your harvest. Also, be vigilant about pests like aphids, ensuring timely management. With dedication, growing arugula can provide bountiful rewards and enhance your meals significantly.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In South Dakota (Zone 4b), 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 when the risk of frost has diminished.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil has warmed consistently. 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

• Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. South Dakota’s varying weather conditions necessitate regular monitoring of soil moisture.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. South Dakota’s climate may influence pest presence; vigilance is essential.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach a desirable size, typically around 4-6 inches long. Regular harvesting promotes new 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.