When to plant Arugula in Vandervoort, AR
Aim to plant Arugula in Vandervoort on or after March 19; the window stays open through April 9. Vandervoort's 215-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Vandervoort, AR
Your June planting checklist for Polk County, Arkansas
Your garden in Polk County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Bring in the arugula
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: arugula
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.
Vandervoort, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 1,323 feet, Polk County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Vandervoort Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Arugula 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 Vandervoort
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Polk County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
Arugula 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Polk 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 — Vandervoort, AR
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Vandervoort
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 02 in Polk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Polk County reach 91°F — grow Arugula as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 215.0-day season in Polk 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
When should I plant Arugula in Vandervoort, AR?
In Vandervoort, AR, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Vandervoort, AR for Arugula?
Vandervoort sits in USDA Zone 8a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Vandervoort's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Vandervoort's temperate climate. Vandervoort averages a 215-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 3.
Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Polk 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.