When to Plant Arugula in Whiteside 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.
Whiteside County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 682 feet, Whiteside County receives approximately 30.2 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.
Whiteside County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Arugula Planting Timeline — Whiteside County, IL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 23 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for Whiteside 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 Whiteside County, IL?
Whiteside County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Whiteside County, IL?
Whiteside County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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