Arugula Planting Dates Vermont

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

Planting Conditions

The cool climate in this region allows for a diverse growing season. Understanding the best planting conditions is crucial for strong arugula growth, particularly during the cooler months.

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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. This type is a bit more spicy but will come back year after year.

The most commonly used type is the Astro variant, 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 transplanting 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 Vermont’s Major Cities

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

City	Average First Frost Date
Burlington	October 10
Montpelier	October 5
Stowe	September 30
Rutland	October 15
Brattleboro	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 regions, using a greenhouse can effectively protect arugula from harsh weather conditions. This controlled environment allows for early planting and ensures a consistent temperature, which is particularly beneficial during the early spring and late fall months. Additionally, greenhouses help extend the growing season significantly, enabling growers to enjoy fresh arugula throughout the year.

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 in Vermont, 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 Vermont:

Kale Planting in Vermont

Pumpkin Planting in Vermont

Tomato Planting in Vermont

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

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Vermont (Zone 5a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between March 15 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late April to early May once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil has warmed above 50°F consistently. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 12 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and gentle watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Vermont’s varied climate still requires vigilant watering during dry spells to prevent soil desiccation.
• Water at the base of the plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and when the first true leaves emerge. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and slugs. Vigilance is essential, especially during the cooler growing seasons of Vermont.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach the desired size but before they flower for the best flavor. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends 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.