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When to plant Arugula in Piatt County County,

Plant Arugula in Piatt County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 31. Continue planting through April 21 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Piatt 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.

Piatt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 1,118 feet, Piatt County receives approximately 38.8 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.

Piatt County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16
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Piatt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Piatt County, IL

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jul 21
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December
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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 6a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Piatt County

Growing Tips for Piatt 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 Piatt County, IL?

Piatt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Piatt County, IL?

Piatt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Arugula in Piatt County County, ?

In Piatt County County, , plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Piatt County County, for Arugula?

Piatt County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Arugula grow in Piatt County County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Piatt County County's temperate climate. Piatt County County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 16.

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Your Piatt County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Piatt County (Zone 6a). 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 Piatt County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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