When to Plant Arugula in Howard 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.
Howard County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 3,918 feet, Howard County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Arugula may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Arugula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.9-8.3
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Arugula Planting Timeline — Howard 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 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jul 2 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
231 days
Growing Tips for Howard 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 Howard County, TX?
Howard 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 Howard County, TX?
Howard County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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