When to plant Arugula in Frederic, MI
Plant Arugula in Frederic from May 8 to May 29 in spring. Frederic sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around May 22 and first frost on September 29. A second sowing from July 21 to August 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Frederic, MI
Your June planting checklist for Crawford County, Michigan
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Crawford County, Michigan.
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Begin indoor sowing: arugula
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Collect arugula at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Frederic, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 894 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 34.3 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.
Frederic Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Frederic
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Crawford County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 21.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Crawford 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 — Frederic, MI
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Frederic
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after May 22 in Crawford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 130.0-day season in Crawford 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
When should I plant Arugula in Frederic, MI?
In Frederic, MI, plant Arugula after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Frederic, MI for Arugula?
Frederic sits in USDA Zone 5a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Frederic's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Frederic's temperate climate. Frederic averages a 130-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 29.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.