Arugula Planting Dates Pennsylvania

Best Planting Times for Arugula in Pennsylvania

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Seed Directly in Soil	April 1 – May 15
	Fall Planting	August 15 – September 15
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Pennsylvania’s climate varies, featuring warm summers and cold winters that can significantly impact arugula growth. Maintaining suitable soil temperatures is crucial for optimal germination and growth.

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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.

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

Pennsylvania’s climate can be unpredictable, and a greenhouse provides an ideal environment for growing arugula. Greenhouses offer temperature regulation and protection from harsh weather, extending the growing season and enabling earlier planting and later harvests.

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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania approximately 1-2 weeks before the last frost date in spring, ensuring the soil is workable and conducive to seed germination.

Average Last Frost Dates for Pennsylvania’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Philadelphia	April 10
Pittsburgh	April 15
Allentown	April 12
Erie	April 25
Scranton	April 20

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 Pennsylvania:

Broccoli Planting in Pennsylvania

Kale Planting in Pennsylvania

Pumpkin Planting in Pennsylvania

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

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Pennsylvania (Zone 6), begin indoor arugula seed starting from mid-March to early April. This timeline helps in growing robust seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors by mid to late April when the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from late April to early May, ensuring that the soil temperature is adequately warmed. Space seedlings 6-12 inches apart to allow ample room for growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Maintain consistently moist soil by watering arugula regularly, as the plants prefer cooler, moist conditions for optimal growth.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and consider a second application when the plants are about 4 inches tall. Incorporating compost can also boost soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

• Consistently check for pests such as aphids and flea beetles, which can be problematic for arugula. Early detection is crucial.
• Utilize organic pest control methods to mitigate the risk of pests and diseases while preserving the health of your arugula plants.

Harvesting

• Begin harvesting arugula leaves when they are 4-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and keeps the plants productive.

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.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂