When to Plant Arugula in Wilson County, KS
Wilson County, Kansas gardeners: here's your May plan
Your Wilson County, Kansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Start arugula indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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It's harvest week for arugula
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Wilson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 595 feet, Wilson County receives approximately 32.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Wilson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Wilson County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.5) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Wilson County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Arugula.
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 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Plant 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.3" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wilson 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 — Wilson County, KS
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Wilson County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Wilson County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 07 in Wilson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 201.0-day season in Wilson 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Wilson County, KS?
Wilson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wilson County, KS?
Wilson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Wilson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wilson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.