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When to Plant Arugula in Greeley County, NE

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.

Greeley County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,040 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Arugula to ensure they mature before fall.

Greeley County, NE (Zone 5a) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Greeley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.4

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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Greeley County, NE

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 – May 11
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 – May 4
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Aug 3
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

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

165 days in Greeley County

Growing Tips for Greeley 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 Greeley County, NE?

Greeley County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greeley County, NE?

Greeley County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 9.

🌱

Your Greeley County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Greeley 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 Greeley County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.