When to Plant Arugula in Orleans County, VT
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.
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 48 feet, Orleans County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Arugula to ensure they mature before fall.
Orleans County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 — Orleans County, VT
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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 4a
Growing Season
144 days
Growing Tips for Orleans 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 Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Orleans County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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