When to Plant Arugula in Elko County, NV
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.
Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and the first fall frost is September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 102 days.
At an elevation of 5,859 feet, Elko County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Arugula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Arugula successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Elko County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.5
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
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Arugula Planting Timeline — Elko County, NV
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 7 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
102 days
Growing Tips for Elko 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 Elko County, NV?
Elko County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 5. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elko County, NV?
Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and first fall frost is September 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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