When to Plant Arugula in Cooke County, TX
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.
Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 1,818 feet, Cooke County receives approximately 69.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.
Cooke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 Cooke County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cooke County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Sep 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.6" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.6" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 2.2" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cooke 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 — Cooke County, TX
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
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 Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Cooke County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Cooke County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after March 26 in Cooke County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 230.0-day season in Cooke 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Cooke County, TX?
Cooke County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cooke County, TX?
Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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