When to Plant Arugula in Lauderdale County, TN
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.
Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 2,139 feet, Lauderdale County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Lauderdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Arugula Planting Timeline — Lauderdale County, TN
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jul 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
218 days
Growing Tips for Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County, TN?
Lauderdale County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lauderdale County, TN?
Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lauderdale County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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