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When to plant Arugula in Lake County, MN

For Lake County, gardeners: plant Arugula May 25 through June 15 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from June 20 to July 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Lake 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.

Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.

At an elevation of 1,191 feet, Lake County receives approximately 36.6 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.

Lake County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
103 days
Last Spring Frost June 1
103 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Lake County, MN

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 15
Direct Sow May 25 May 25 – Jun 15
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Sep 7
Fall Sowing June 20 Jun 20 – Jul 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

103 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, MN?

Lake County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 1. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, MN?

Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and first fall frost is September 12.

When should I plant Arugula in Lake County, MN?

In Lake County, MN, plant Arugula after the last frost (around June 1) and before the first frost (around September 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County, MN for Arugula?

Lake County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Arugula grow in Lake County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 103-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 1 and first frost around September 12.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 4a). 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 Lake County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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