Arugula Planting Dates Oklahoma

Best Planting Times for Arugula in Oklahoma

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Seed Sowing	March 15 – April 15
	Fall Seed Sowing	August 15 – September 15
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Zones

Oklahoma’s climate varies significantly, allowing for a wide growing season for arugula. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6a to 8a, it’s important to be vigilant of temperature and moisture levels during planting.

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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 arugula 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.

Browse Arugula Seeds on Amazon

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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Greenhouse Growing

In Oklahoma, employing a greenhouse can provide a regulated climate for arugula cultivation, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures can be excessively high. Greenhouses help ensure consistent moisture levels and protect plants from extreme heat, allowing for a better-quality crop throughout the growing season.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your arugula thrives in a controlled environment.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal arugula growth in Oklahoma, 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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Plant arugula outdoors in Oklahoma approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is cool enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Oklahoma’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Oklahoma City	April 1
Tulsa	April 5
Norman	April 2
Broken Arrow	April 7
Edmond	April 3

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for Oklahoma:

Broccoli Planting in Oklahoma

Kale Planting in Oklahoma

Pumpkin Planting in Oklahoma

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

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Oklahoma (Zone 7a), you can start arugula seeds indoors from late February to early April. This timing helps ensure strong seedlings ready for outdoor planting starting in mid-March to early May, as the risk of frost diminishes.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F. For optimal growth, space the seedlings 6-8 inches apart in rows at least 12 inches apart.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water arugula regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Consistent moisture is critical, especially during periods of heat.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing

• Utilize a balanced fertilizer at planting and again during active growth to support healthy leaf development. Adding compost before planting can improve soil nutrition and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Regular monitoring is vital for early detection and management.
• Employ organic pest control methods or integrated pest management strategies to safeguard your arugula from diseases and pests.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach a desirable size, typically around 4-6 inches. Frequent harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest period.

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.

Using Mulch

Mulch protects the soil by regulating temperature and retaining moisture. Organic mulch like straw or compost insulates the soil and keeps roots warmer, which is especially important in spring and fall.

Mulch also helps retain moisture by reducing evaporation, which means less time watering and less stress on plants. It is especially helpful in raised beds and containers where soil dries out faster. Additionally, mulch controls weeds, stopping them from competing with your vegetables for nutrients.

The Sun Joe CJ603E Wood Chipper is an affordable and effective option for creating mulch from branches up to 1.7 inches thick. It’s available for $199. Check the latest price on Amazon.