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When to Plant Arugula in Mills County, TX

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.

Mills County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.

At an elevation of 4,208 feet, Mills County receives approximately 61.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90Β°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.

Mills County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
234 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
234 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Mills County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

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 β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mills County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Arugula Planting Timeline β€” Mills County, TX

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 30
Harvest April 27 Apr 27 – Jun 29
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 – Sep 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July β€”
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

30–50 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

234 days in Mills County

Growing Tips for Mills 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 Mills County, TX?

Mills County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mills County, TX?

Mills County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Mills County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Mills County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.