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When to plant Arugula in Macomb County, MI

Macomb County gardeners should plant Arugula between April 14 and May 5 in spring. With Macomb County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 28), Arugula needs 30–50 days to mature — plant by August 31 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Macomb 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.

Macomb County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 628 feet, Macomb County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.

Macomb County, MI (Zone 6b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Macomb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Arugula

Arugula needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Arugula Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Macomb County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Arugula Planting Timeline — Macomb County, MI

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Aug 4
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July 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 6b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Macomb County

Growing Tips for Macomb 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 Macomb County, MI?

Macomb County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macomb County, MI?

Macomb County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Arugula in Macomb County, MI?

In Macomb County, MI, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macomb County, MI for Arugula?

Macomb 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 Macomb County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Macomb County's temperate climate. Macomb County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Macomb County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macomb 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.

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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 Macomb County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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