When to plant Arugula in Keweenaw County County,
Aim to plant Arugula in Keweenaw County County on or after May 5; the window stays open through May 26. Keweenaw County County's 135-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 23 to August 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Keweenaw County, MI
Top priorities for Keweenaw County, Michigan gardeners in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Keweenaw County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Sow arugula in trays indoors
These need a head start before your last frost (May 19). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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It's harvest week for arugula
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: arugula
- 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.
Keweenaw County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Keweenaw County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Arugula to ensure they mature before fall.
Keweenaw County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 Keweenaw County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Arugula's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Keweenaw County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 23.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Keweenaw 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 — Keweenaw County, MI
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Keweenaw County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Keweenaw County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after May 19 in Keweenaw County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 135.0-day season in Keweenaw 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 Keweenaw County, MI?
Keweenaw County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Keweenaw County, MI?
Keweenaw County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 1.
When should I plant Arugula in Keweenaw County County, ?
In Keweenaw County County, , plant Arugula after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Keweenaw County County, for Arugula?
Keweenaw County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Keweenaw County County's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Keweenaw County County's temperate climate. Keweenaw County County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 1.
Your Keweenaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Keweenaw County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.