Arugula Planting Dates New Jersey

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	April 1 – June 15
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks during spring
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The climate here varies, allowing for significant flexibility in the planting schedule. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6a to 7b, adjusting planting times according to local conditions can lead to a fruitful 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.

For perennial plants, look for wild rocket types. That type is a bit spicier but will come back year after year.

The most used type is the Astro variant.

Astro is a vigorous, all-season, cut-and-come-again variety with long, silky leaves and nutty flavor.

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 you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

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Average First Frost Dates for New Jersey’s Major Cities

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

City	Average First Frost Date
Trenton	November 15
Newark	November 10
Patterson	November 20
Camden	November 15
Elizabeth	November 5

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 this region, using a greenhouse provides a controlled environment for arugula development. It protects plants from unexpected frost and allows for better temperature management during cooler months. A greenhouse also mitigates temperature fluctuations, thus enhancing growth consistency and expanding the growing season significantly.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE can be found at Amazon at $999.00 right now.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal arugula growth, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for New Jersey:

Broccoli Planting in New Jersey

Kale Planting in New Jersey

Pumpkin Planting in New Jersey

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water arugula consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially important in drier periods.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to reduce fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at 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. Vigilant pest management is essential, especially in varied climates.
• Use organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

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

In my garden, I try to plant arugula in both spring and fall for the best yields. It thrives in cooler temperatures. If you don’t have the time to start from seeds, you can find young arugula plants at local nurseries.

If you’re unsure about when to harvest your arugula, you can look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves can also promote new growth and extend your harvest.

Also remember to check for pests like aphids and manage them promptly. With proper care and attention, growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that adds a delicious touch to your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In New Jersey (Zone 6a to 7a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between late February and early March. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-March to early April when the risk of frost has diminished.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 1 to April 15, ensuring the soil temperature has warmed to above 40°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 regular and even watering to maintain moist soil, especially during warm spells in early spring and late summer.
• Water at the base of plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like flea beetles and aphids. Pests can thrive in New Jersey’s varied climate.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents bolting in warmer weather.

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.