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When to Plant Arugula in Montgomery 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.

Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 286 days.

At an elevation of 180 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 62.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Arugula may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Arugula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.

Montgomery County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
286 days
Last Spring Frost February 18
286 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, TX

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Direct Sow January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 18
Harvest March 25 Mar 25 – May 27
Fall Sowing October 6 Oct 6 – Oct 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

286 days in Montgomery County

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, TX?

Montgomery County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, TX?

Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is December 1.

🌱

Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Montgomery County (Zone 9a). 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 Montgomery County, TX. 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.