When to Plant Arugula in White Pine 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.
White Pine County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 92 days.
At an elevation of 6,766 feet, White Pine County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
White Pine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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 White Pine County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Arugula prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in White Pine County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Arugula will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Arugula.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Arugula.
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 Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 04.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Arugula
Arugula needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Arugula Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.6" | 0.5" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 2.5" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.2" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in White Pine County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Arugula Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Arugula Planting Timeline — White Pine County, NV
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
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
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
92 days in White Pine County
Growing Tips for Arugula in White Pine County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after June 12 in White Pine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in White Pine County dries quickly — mulch Arugula with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in White Pine County reach 91°F — grow Arugula as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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
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Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in White Pine County, NV?
White Pine County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is White Pine County, NV?
White Pine County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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