Blog

When to plant Arugula in Dewitt, MI

Dewitt sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Arugula between April 16 (after last frost on April 30) and May 7. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Dewitt, MI

Arugula is a fast-growing cool-season green with a peppery, nutty flavor. It is excellent in salads and can be harvested as baby greens or mature leaves.

Dewitt, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 519 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Arugula to ensure they mature before fall.

Dewitt, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Dewitt Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Arugula

Arugula needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Arugula Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Arugula Planting Timeline — Dewitt, MI

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Aug 6
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

30–50 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

166 days in Clinton County

Growing Tips for Dewitt

Sow seeds directly every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather to prevent bolting. Harvest outer leaves first to extend production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Arugula in Dewitt, MI?

In Dewitt, MI, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dewitt, MI for Arugula?

Dewitt sits in USDA Zone 6a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Arugula grow in Dewitt's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Dewitt's temperate climate. Dewitt averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 13.

🌱

Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clinton County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.