When to plant Arugula in Quitman County, MS
Quitman County gardeners should plant Arugula between March 6 and March 27 in spring. With Quitman County's Zone 8a climate (last frost March 20), Arugula needs 30–50 days to mature — plant by September 16 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 27 to September 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Quitman County, MS
July to-do list for Quitman County, Mississippi
Each item below is timed to Quitman County, Mississippi's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Quitman County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 474 feet, Quitman County receives approximately 56.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Quitman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
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 Quitman County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.2) is more acidic than Arugula prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Quitman County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 27.
Arugula 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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.6" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.6" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Quitman 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 — Quitman 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 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Quitman County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Quitman County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after March 20 in Quitman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Quitman County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Arugula. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Quitman County reach 92°F — grow Arugula as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 230.0-day season in Quitman 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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Quitman County, MS?
Quitman County is in Zone 8a 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 Quitman County, MS?
Quitman County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 5.
When should I plant Arugula in Quitman County, MS?
In Quitman County, MS, plant Arugula after the last frost (around March 20) and before the first frost (around November 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Quitman County, MS for Arugula?
Quitman County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Quitman County's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Quitman County's temperate climate. Quitman County averages a 230-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 20 and first frost around November 5.
Your Quitman County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Quitman County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.