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When to plant Arugula in Lawrence County, AL

Spring Arugula in Lawrence County goes in March 12–April 2, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 23 to September 6 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Lawrence County, AL

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.

Lawrence County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 427 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Arugula, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.

Lawrence County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Lawrence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

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 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, AL

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 August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

220 days in Lawrence County

Growing Tips for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, AL?

Lawrence County is in Zone 8a 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 Lawrence County, AL?

Lawrence County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 1.

When should I plant Arugula in Lawrence County, AL?

In Lawrence County, AL, plant Arugula after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lawrence County, AL for Arugula?

Lawrence County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Arugula grow in Lawrence County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Lawrence County's temperate climate. Lawrence County averages a 220-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 1.

🌱

Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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