When to Plant Arugula in Menard 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.
Menard County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 934 feet, Menard County receives approximately 37 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.
Menard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Menard County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Arugula's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Menard County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — 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 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 10.
Plant Water Budget
Arugula Planting Timeline — Menard County, IL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Menard County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Menard County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 15 in Menard County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 187.0-day season in Menard 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 Menard County, IL?
Menard County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Menard County, IL?
Menard County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Menard County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.