When to Plant Arugula in Pope County, MN
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.
Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Pope County receives approximately 31.1 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.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
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.
Soil Compatibility in Pope County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Arugula's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pope County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Arugula will thrive.
How to Plant Arugula
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Arugula
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 11.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Arugula Planting Timeline — Pope County, MN
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Pope County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Pope County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after May 04 in Pope County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 152.0-day season in Pope 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 Pope County, MN?
Pope County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pope County, MN?
Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pope County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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