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When to plant Arugula in Kent County, MI

Plant Arugula in Kent County from April 23 to May 14 in spring. Kent County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around May 7 and first frost on October 9. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Kent County, MI

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.

Kent County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 617 feet, Kent County receives approximately 32.8 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.

Kent County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Arugula Planting Timeline — Kent County, MI

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 16
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 – May 21
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Aug 13
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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

155 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, MI?

Kent County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, MI?

Kent County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Arugula in Kent County, MI?

In Kent County, MI, plant Arugula after the last frost (around May 7) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kent County, MI for Arugula?

Kent 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 Kent County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 7 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent 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 Kent County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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