When to Plant Arugula in Lauderdale County, MS
Your May planting checklist for Lauderdale County, Mississippi
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lauderdale County, Mississippi this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for arugula
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Lauderdale County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Lauderdale County receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Arugula, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.
Lauderdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Lauderdale County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lauderdale County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Arugula.
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 Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 30.
Plant 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.6" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lauderdale 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 — Lauderdale County, MS
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jun 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
233 days in Lauderdale County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Lauderdale County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after March 20 in Lauderdale County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lauderdale County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Arugula. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Lauderdale County reach 93°F — grow Arugula as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 233.0-day season in Lauderdale 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
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Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Lauderdale County, MS?
Lauderdale County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lauderdale County, MS?
Lauderdale County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 8.
Your Lauderdale County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lauderdale County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.