When to Plant Arugula in Carroll County, IL
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.
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 778 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 39.3 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.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Carroll County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Carroll County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Arugula will thrive.
How to Plant Arugula
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Arugula
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 04.
Plant Water Budget
Arugula Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Carroll County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Carroll County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 22 in Carroll County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 174.0-day season in Carroll County allows multiple plantings of Arugula. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Arugula in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Carroll County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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