Arugula Planting Dates Ohio

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 early summer
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The climate in this region provides a suitable growing season for arugula, and understanding the best planting conditions is crucial for healthy growth. Optimal temperatures for germination range from 40°F to 75°F, making cooler months ideal.

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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 the wild rocket types. That type is a bit more spicy 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 make sure that 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.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities

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

City	Average First Frost Date
Cleveland	October 15
Columbus	October 20
Cincinnati	October 25
Toledo	October 10

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 climates, using a greenhouse can effectively protect arugula from harsh winter weather and frost. This controlled environment allows for early planting in spring and can extend the growing season, making it feasible for year-round cultivation. Additionally, a greenhouse can provide a stable temperature that promotes healthy growth despite the cold outdoor conditions.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE can be found on Amazon, currently priced at $999.00.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal arugula growth, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure an abundant and healthy harvest. 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 Ohio:

Broccoli Planting in Ohio

Kale Planting in Ohio

Pumpkin Planting in Ohio

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water arugula consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially important in dry climates.
• 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 warmer 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 this green 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, look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves can also promote new growth and extend your harvest.

Always check for pests like aphids and manage them promptly. With proper care and attention, growing this nutritious leafy green can be a rewarding experience that adds a delicious touch to your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Ohio (Zone 6a to 6b), begin indoor arugula seed starting from late March to mid-April. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April to late April once the threat of frost diminishes.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 15 to April 30, ensuring the soil temperature is above 45°F. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart for optimal growth, allowing enough air circulation between plants.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and deep watering to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during Ohio’s warm summers.
• Avoid watering the leaves, focusing on the base of the plant to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting and again when seedlings are around 3 inches tall to boost growth.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests like aphids and flea beetles, especially in early spring; vigilance is crucial in Ohio’s fluctuating climate.
• Utilize organic pest control methods to manage populations and protect arugula from infestations and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula when leaves are young and tender, typically 4-6 weeks after planting. Regular harvesting encourages multiple cuttings throughout the 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.