When to Plant Arugula in Union County, PA
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.
Union County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 250 feet, Union County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
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 — Union County, PA
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
178 days
Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, PA?
Union County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, PA?
Union County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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