When to plant Arugula in Mapleton, IL
Aim to plant Arugula in Mapleton on or after April 9; the window stays open through April 30. Mapleton's 172-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Mapleton, IL
July in Peoria County, Illinois — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Peoria County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Basket week: arugula
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- Fall sowing: 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.
Mapleton, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 884 feet, Peoria County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Mapleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 Mapleton
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Arugula's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Peoria County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Arugula will thrive.
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 Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 03.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Peoria 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 — Mapleton, IL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Peoria County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Mapleton
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 23 in Peoria County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 172.0-day season in Peoria 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Arugula in Other Locations
When should I plant Arugula in Mapleton, IL?
In Mapleton, IL, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mapleton, IL for Arugula?
Mapleton sits in USDA Zone 6a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Mapleton's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Mapleton's temperate climate. Mapleton averages a 172-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 12.
Your Peoria County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Peoria 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.