When to Plant Arugula in Covington County, AL
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.
Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 392 feet, Covington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Arugula may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Arugula, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.
Covington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Arugula Planting Timeline — Covington County, AL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jun 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
236 days
Growing Tips for Covington County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Covington County, AL?
Covington County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Covington County, AL?
Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Covington County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.