When to plant Arugula in Johnson County, KS
Spring Arugula in Johnson County goes in March 25–April 15, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Johnson County, KS
Your August planting checklist for Johnson County, Kansas
A quick August briefing for Johnson County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start your fall crops: arugula
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
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.
Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 768 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 27.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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 Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — 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 Sep 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Arugula Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.3" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.6" | 1.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Johnson 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 — Johnson County, KS
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Johnson County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 08 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 201.0-day season in Johnson 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Johnson County, KS?
Johnson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, KS?
Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Arugula in Johnson County, KS?
In Johnson County, KS, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, KS for Arugula?
Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.