Arugula Planting Dates Connecticut

Arugula, commonly referred to as rocket, is a nutritious leafy green packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. This peppery green has become a staple in various culinary dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	March 15 – July 1
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks during spring and fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting according to greenhouse conditions

Planting Conditions

The temperate climate in Connecticut allows for a versatile growing season, making it ideal for arugula cultivation. Understanding the planting conditions is key to achieving healthy and productive plants.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Utilizing the right supplies can enhance your planting experience and promote successful growth.

Seeds

Choosing quality seeds is essential for a robust harvest. High-quality seeds provide better germination rates, ensuring your arugula flourishes from the outset. The ‘Astro’ variety, known for its vigorous growth and cut-and-come-again harvest, is a popular choice. This variant produces long, silky leaves with a delightful, nutty flavor.

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

Planting Trays

Using planting trays efficiently organizes your seedlings, providing them adequate space to grow before being transferred outdoors. This approach fosters healthy plant development.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are vital if your seedlings do not receive sufficient natural light. They help your plants grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, seed-specific soil promotes rapid root establishment and encourages healthy growth. This simple approach can significantly improve your seedlings’ performance.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Connecticut’s Major Cities

Sowing arugula outside should happen 2-4 weeks before the estimated first frost date in autumn for optimal development and flavor.

City	Average First Frost Date
Hartford	October 15
Bridgeport	October 25
New Haven	October 20
Stamford	October 10
Waterbury	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

Utilizing a greenhouse in Connecticut is beneficial as it safeguards arugula from harsh winter conditions. This controlled environment allows for year-round growing and ensures that temperatures are consistent, especially during the colder months. Additionally, a greenhouse extends your growing season, making it possible to enjoy fresh arugula even in the depths of winter.

Fertilizer

Other planting guides for Connecticut:

Kale Planting in Connecticut

Broccoli Planting in Connecticut

Pumpkin Planting in Connecticut

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

To facilitate healthy arugula growth, applying fertilizer can greatly enhance yields. Proper fertilization provides essential nutrients back into the soil, encouraging robust plant development.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Ensure consistent watering to keep the soil moist, a necessity in drier conditions.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when the true leaves start to emerge. Incorporating compost can improve soil health.

Pest and Disease Management

• Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and flea beetles. Prompt management is essential for plant health, especially in temperate climates.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management techniques to protect your plants.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula once leaves reach 3-6 inches long. Frequent harvesting promotes new growth, prolonging your harvesting period.

In my experience, I prefer to plant arugula in both spring and fall to maximize yields, as the crop thrives in cooler temperatures. If you’re pressed for time, consider purchasing young arugula plants from local nurseries.

When unsure about the right time to harvest, look for mature leaves measuring 2-3 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth and extends your harvest. Monitor for pests like aphids and manage them proactively. With careful attention, growing arugula can be a fulfilling addition to your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Connecticut (Zone 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 mid-May once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil has warmed above 45°F 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 watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Connecticut’s climate may require regular watering, especially during dry spells.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, which can foster fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again a few weeks after seedlings emerge to support healthy leaf growth.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Connecticut’s humid conditions may foster fungal diseases, so vigilance is key.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula when leaves are young and tender, typically 4-6 weeks after planting. Regular harvesting encourages further leaf production.

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.