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When to Plant Arugula in Menard 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.

Menard County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.

At an elevation of 2,779 feet, Menard County receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°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.

Menard County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
223 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
223 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Menard County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Arugula

Arugula needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Arugula Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Menard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Arugula Planting Timeline β€” Menard County, TX

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 – Apr 7
Harvest May 5 May 5 – Jul 7
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 – Sep 14

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
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 β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

30–50 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

223 days in Menard County

Growing Tips for Menard 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Arugula in Menard County, TX?

Menard County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Menard County, TX?

Menard County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 9.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Menard County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Menard County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.