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When to plant Arugula in Jackson County, MN

Jackson County's spring Arugula window runs April 16 through May 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Jackson County, MN

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.

Jackson County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Arugula to ensure they mature before fall.

Jackson County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Jackson County, MN

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Aug 6
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 11

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 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 5a

📆 Growing Season

159 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, MN?

Jackson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, MN?

Jackson County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Arugula in Jackson County, MN?

In Jackson County, MN, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, MN for Arugula?

Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Arugula grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.

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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 Jackson County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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