When to Plant Arugula in Grafton County, NH
April to-do list for Grafton County, New Hampshire
April is a pivotal month for Grafton County, New Hampshire gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
May prep starts now
- Transplants going out: arugula
- Direct-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.
Grafton County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 524 feet, Grafton County receives approximately 44.9 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.
Grafton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 Grafton County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) is more acidic than Arugula prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Grafton County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Arugula.
How to Plant Arugula
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Arugula
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 15.
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Grafton 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 — Grafton County, NH
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Grafton County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Grafton County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after May 12 in Grafton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 148.0-day season in Grafton 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Grafton County, NH?
Grafton County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grafton County, NH?
Grafton County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Grafton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grafton County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.