Arugula Planting Dates Georgia

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a nutrient-rich leafy green favored for its peppery flavor. High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron, it’s a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, and various culinary dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	February 1 – April 15, September 1 – November 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

The warm climate in this region offers a long growing season suitable for arugula. With USDA Hardiness Zones that vary from 6 to 8, understanding the optimal planting conditions is essential for promoting healthy plant growth.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Using effective planting tools can enhance your gardening success.

Seeds

Begin with quality seeds to enhance germination and promote healthier plants. Selecting high-quality seeds ensures your arugula has the best chance from the outset.

For a perennial option, consider wild rocket varieties. Though spicier, they return year after year.

The most commonly used type is the Astro variant, a vigorous, all-season, cut-and-come-again variety known for its long, silky leaves and nutty flavor.

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

Planting Trays

Using planting trays organizes your seedlings and ensures they have adequate space to grow before transferring them outdoors, increasing the chances of achieving robust plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

If natural sunlight is insufficient, grow lights are vital for supplying your seedlings with necessary light for strong growth.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using high-quality, fine soil designed for seed starting helps promote healthy root establishment and growth. This easy step ensures that your seedlings receive a top-notch start.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities in Georgia

For optimal growth, plant arugula outdoors in Georgia about 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn.

City	Average First Frost Date
Atlanta	November 15
Savannah	November 20
Augusta	November 10
Columbus	November 25
Macon	November 16

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It’s advisable to monitor local forecasts and adapt your planting schedule accordingly.

Greenhouse Growing

Utilizing a greenhouse in Georgia can help protect arugula from extreme heat during the summer months. This controlled environment facilitates year-round cultivation and ensures stable temperatures, which is especially beneficial in hotter periods. Furthermore, greenhouses can significantly extend the growing season, providing a more efficient way to cultivate this leafy green.

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


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For healthy arugula growth, using fertilizer is key to ensuring a bountiful and nutritious harvest. Quality fertilizer supports nutrient replenishment in the soil, promoting vibrant plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Georgia:

Broccoli Planting in Georgia

Kale Planting in Georgia

Pumpkin Planting in Georgia

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Cucumbers.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Regular watering is essential to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly crucial in dry climates.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, thereby reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

• Stay vigilant against common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Effective pest management is critical, especially in warmer climates.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management methods to safeguard arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach 3-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest season.

In my garden, I aim to plant arugula in both spring and fall for the best results. It thrives in cooler temperatures. If starting from seeds is too time-consuming, young arugula plants can often be found at local nurseries.

To determine when to harvest your arugula, look for leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long, and make regular cuts to stimulate new growth and extend your harvest period.

Be sure to monitor for pests such as aphids and take action swiftly. With proper care and attention, cultivating arugula can be a fruitful endeavor that enhances your culinary experiences.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Georgia (Zone 7b), begin indoor arugula seed starting between February 15 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-March to early April once the frost danger has passed.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from March 15 to April 1, ensuring the soil has warmed above 50°F consistently. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 18 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Georgia’s warm climate necessitates regular watering to prevent soil drying out.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and slugs, as well as diseases such as downy mildew. While Georgia’s humidity can encourage these issues, vigilant monitoring is essential.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Regular harvesting promotes continuous leaf production and prevents plants from 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.