Arugula Planting Dates Maryland

Arugula, often referred to as rocket, is a leafy green that boasts an array of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. This peppery green is favored in kitchens for its versatility in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	March 15 – November 1
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks during spring and fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control inside the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The growing season’s moderate temperatures in the region make it ideal for cultivating arugula. With USDA Hardiness Zones typically ranging from 6 to 7, understanding the appropriate planting conditions is essential for robust growth.

Growing zones in Alabama

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Incorporating the right tools can minimize effort and enhance your success rate in planting.

Seeds

Utilizing quality seeds is crucial for optimal germination and the health of your plants. Selecting high-quality seeds ensures that your arugula gets a strong start.

For perennial options, consider wild rocket types, which tend to be spicier and will return annually.

The Astro type is the most commonly used choice.

Astro arugula is a vigorous, all-season variety known for its long, silky leaves and rich nutty flavor.

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

Planting Trays

Using planting trays assists with organizing seedlings, ensuring they have adequate space to grow before being transplanted outdoors. This method enhances efficiency and cultivates strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Investing in grow lights is vital if there is insufficient natural sunlight, as they provide seedlings with necessary light for vigorous growth even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Employing light, fine soil made for seed starting promotes swift root establishment and healthy growth, providing seedlings with an optimal start.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Maryland’s Major Cities

For optimal growth and flavor, plant arugula outdoors approximately 2-4 weeks before the anticipated first frost date in late autumn.

City	Average First Frost Date
Baltimore	November 15
Silver Spring	November 10
Frederick	November 20
Rockville	November 10
Annapolis	November 15

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It’s advisable to monitor local forecasts and adjust planting decisions as necessary.

Greenhouse Growing

In the variable climate of Maryland, greenhouses offer a protective environment for arugula, sheltering it from unexpected cold snaps and providing a controlled atmosphere for cultivation. Utilizing a greenhouse can significantly extend your growing season, allowing for earlier planting in spring and later harvesting in fall.

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


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

To nurture arugula effectively, utilizing fertilizer may enhance growth yields. Quality fertilization replenishes essential nutrients in the soil and fosters robust plant development.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Maryland:

Broccoli Planting in Maryland

Kale Planting in Maryland

Pumpkin Planting in Maryland

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Consistently water arugula to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly critical during dry spells.
• Water plants at their base to minimize leaf wetness and help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly inspect for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Proactive pest management is especially important.
• Employ organic or integrated pest management techniques to safeguard arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach 3-6 inches in length. Regular picking encourages new growth and extends the harvest window.

In my experience, planting arugula in both spring and fall leads to impressive yields. This leafy green flourishes in cooler temperatures. For those short on time, young arugula plants can often be found at local nurseries.

If you’re confused about harvest timing for your arugula, look for mature leaves that are 2-3 inches long. Frequent leaf-picking can spur new growth and prolong your harvest throughout the season.

It’s also wise to remain vigilant for pests such as aphids and take swift action to manage them. With the right care, growing arugula can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor that enhances your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Maryland (Zone 7a-7b), begin indoor arugula seed starting between late winter and early spring, specifically from February 15 to March 15. This timeline will yield strong seedlings ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-March to early April, taking advantage of the cooler weather for optimal growth.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from March 15 to April 1. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart within rows that are 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate airflow and growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Maryland’s climate may require frequent checks to prevent soil from drying out, especially during the warmer months.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, thus reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to promote lush leaf growth. Additionally, consider incorporating compost before planting to enhance soil quality.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests such as cabbage worms and aphids. Due to Maryland’s humid climate, remain vigilant against potential fungal diseases.
• Utilize organic pest management methods and companion planting to protect arugula plants from pests and disease.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they are young and tender, approximately 4-6 weeks after planting. This encourages a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

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.