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When to plant Arugula in Kendall County County,

For Arugula in Kendall County County, the safe spring window opens around April 6 and closes around April 27. Last expected frost is April 20, first fall frost October 17, giving a 180-day growing season. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Kendall County, IL

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.

Kendall County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 708 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.

Kendall County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Kendall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Kendall County, IL

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest May 25 May 25 – Jul 27
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

180 days in Kendall County

Growing Tips for Kendall 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 Kendall County, IL?

Kendall County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kendall County, IL?

Kendall County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Arugula in Kendall County County, ?

In Kendall County County, , plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kendall County County, for Arugula?

Kendall County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Arugula grow in Kendall County County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Kendall County County's temperate climate. Kendall County County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Kendall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kendall County (Zone 5b). 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 Kendall County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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