Arugula Planting Dates West Virginia

Arugula is also known as rocket. It’s a leafy green full of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. This peppery green is popular in the kitchen and used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	March 15 – June 1
	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

The varied climate allows for favorable growing conditions. With USDA Hardiness Zones between 5 and 8, understanding the best planting techniques and conditions can lead to a successful harvest.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your arugula the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

The most common variety is the Astro variant, known for its vigorous growth and nutty flavor. It’s excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting, offering fresh leaves throughout the season.

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

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before transplanting outdoors, promoting better growth.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon: Planting Trays

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have adequate natural sunlight. They provide seedlings with the light necessary for strong growth, even in lower-light conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon: Grow Lights

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth, ensuring your seedlings get the best start possible.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon: Seed Starting Soil

Average First Frost Dates for West Virginia’s Major Cities

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

City	Average First Frost Date
Charleston	November 10
Huntington	November 5
Morgantown	October 30
Parkersburg	November 15
Wheeling	November 1

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 areas, using a greenhouse can effectively protect arugula from frost and harsh weather. A controlled environment allows for extended growing seasons and the ability to manage temperatures, which is particularly valuable in the colder months. This also helps to prevent plants from bolting prematurely.

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

Fertilizer

For optimal growth, supplementing arugula with fertilizer can help ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer replenishes nutrients in the soil, encouraging vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon: Fertilizer

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Other planting guides for West Virginia:

Broccoli Planting in West Virginia

Pumpkin Planting in West Virginia

Tomato Planting in West Virginia

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water arugula consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially important during hot dry spells.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Being vigilant is essential, especially in warmer conditions.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach the desired size, typically 3-6 inches long. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and prolongs the harvesting period.

In my garden, I try to plant arugula in both spring and fall for the best yields, as it thrives in cooler temperatures. If starting from seeds isn’t feasible, you can find young plants at local nurseries.

If you’re unsure about harvesting, look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves can also encourage new growth.

Also, be sure to check for pests like aphids and manage them promptly. With proper care, growing arugula can be a rewarding endeavor that enhances your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In West Virginia (Zone 6a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between February 1 and March 1. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-March to early April when the soil is workable and frost risk is minimal.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 1 to April 15. Be sure the soil temperature is steady around 45°F or higher. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, as arugula prefers cooler growing conditions with even moisture levels.
• Water at the base of the plants to maintain a dry leaf environment and minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer a couple of weeks after transplanting to encourage lush growth. Incorporating compost into the soil before planting can also enhance nutrient levels.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly scout for pests such as aphids and flea beetles. In West Virginia’s humid climate, vigilance against pests and diseases is crucial.
• Utilize organic pest management techniques such as introducing beneficial insects and using row covers to protect young plants from pests.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they’re young and tender, typically between 4 to 6 weeks after planting. Regularly picking encourages new growth and extends 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.