When to plant Arugula in Downs, KS
Plant Arugula in Downs after April 23; the prime window is April 9–April 30. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Downs, KS
Top priorities for Osborne County, Kansas gardeners in August
A quick August briefing for Osborne County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start your fall crops: arugula
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
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.
Downs, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 608 feet, Osborne County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Downs Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.5
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 Downs
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.5) is more alkaline than Arugula prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Osborne County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — 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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.1" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Osborne 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 — Downs, KS
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 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Osborne County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Downs
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 23 in Osborne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 174.0-day season in Osborne 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 Downs, KS?
In Downs, KS, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Downs, KS for Arugula?
Downs sits in USDA Zone 6a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Downs's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Downs's temperate climate. Downs averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 14.
Your Osborne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Osborne 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.