New Jersey gardeners can take advantage of two distinct planting windows for this peppery green. Knowing the best time to plant arugula in new jersey ensures you get a steady harvest from spring through fall. This guide covers exact dates, soil prep, and tips for each season.
Arugula loves cool weather and bolts quickly when it gets hot. In New Jersey, you have a spring window and a fall window. Both work well if you time them right.
Best Time To Plant Arugula In New Jersey
The best time to plant arugula in new jersey is early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. For most of the state, that means late March to mid-April. A second prime window opens in late summer for a fall harvest.
New Jersey spans USDA hardiness zones 6a to 7b. Northern areas like Sussex County are cooler, while southern counties like Cape May warm up faster. Adjust your planting dates by about two weeks depending on your location.
Spring Planting Window
Start spring arugula 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. In northern NJ, last frost typically occurs around May 10. In central NJ, it’s around April 30. Southern NJ sees last frost near April 15.
- Northern NJ: Plant seeds March 25 to April 10
- Central NJ: Plant seeds March 15 to April 1
- Southern NJ: Plant seeds March 5 to March 25
Arugula seeds germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F. They actually taste sweeter after a light frost. If a hard freeze is predicted, cover seedlings with row cover overnight.
Fall Planting Window
For fall harvest, plant arugula 6 to 8 weeks before your first fall frost. First frost dates range from October 1 in northern NJ to October 20 in southern NJ. This gives you a second crop that often tastes milder than spring greens.
- Northern NJ: Plant seeds August 5 to August 20
- Central NJ: Plant seeds August 15 to August 30
- Southern NJ: Plant seeds August 25 to September 10
Fall arugula grows slower as days shorten. You can extend harvest into November with a cold frame or low tunnel. Many gardeners say fall arugula is the best because pests are fewer.
Understanding New Jersey’s Climate Zones
New Jersey has three main growing regions. Each affects when you should sow seeds. Knowing your zone helps you avoid planting too early or too late.
Northern New Jersey
Zone 6a covers most of the north. Winters are colder, and spring arrives later. Soil warms slowly in March. Use black plastic or cloches to speed up warming if you want an early start.
Summer heat comes in late June. Spring arugula should be harvested by early June. Fall planting can start in early August. You might get two or three successions if you choose bolt-resistant varieties.
Central New Jersey
Zone 6b to 7a covers the middle of the state. Spring arrives about two weeks earlier than the north. Soil can be worked by mid-March in most years. Fall planting can stretch into early September.
Central NJ gardeners often get a longer spring window. You can plant arugula every two weeks from March through April for continuous harvest. Stop planting by early May to avoid bolting.
Southern New Jersey
Zone 7b covers the southern tip. Winters are mild, and spring starts in late February. You can plant arugula as early as March 1 in some years. Fall planting can continue into mid-September.
Southern NJ has the longest growing season. You might get three planting windows: early spring, late summer, and even a winter crop in a cold frame. Arugula is quite cold-hardy and survives light freezes.
Soil Preparation For Arugula
Arugula grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Test your soil a few weeks before planting. Add lime if pH is too low, or sulfur if too high.
Work in 2 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. This adds nitrogen, which arugula needs for leafy growth. Avoid fresh manure as it can burn roots.
Rake the bed smooth and remove rocks. Arugula seeds are small, so a fine seedbed helps them germinate evenly. Water the soil a day before planting to settle it.
Raised Beds Vs. Ground Beds
Raised beds warm faster in spring. They also drain better in heavy clay soil common in parts of NJ. If you have sandy soil, ground beds work fine with added organic matter.
Containers are another option. Use pots at least 6 inches deep. Arugula has shallow roots, so wide containers work better than deep ones. Place containers in full sun to partial shade.
How To Plant Arugula Seeds
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Space rows 6 to 8 inches apart. You can also broadcast seeds and thin later. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
Seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days depending on soil temperature. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Use a fine spray to avoid washing seeds away.
Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart once they have two true leaves. Thinned plants are edible as microgreens. Leave stronger plants to mature for full-sized leaves.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
Plant a new batch every 2 to 3 weeks during spring and fall. This gives you a steady supply instead of one big harvest. Stop planting 4 weeks before your first fall frost.
For spring, plant three successions: early, mid, and late spring. For fall, plant two successions: early August and late August. You can also plant a winter variety in September for cold frame growing.
Watering And Fertilizing
Arugula needs consistent moisture. Water 1 inch per week if rain is scarce. Inconsistent watering makes leaves tough and bitter. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep leaves dry.
Fertilize lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks. Too much nitrogen makes leaves soft and prone to pests. Fish emulsion works well and is organic.
Mulch around plants with straw or shredded leaves. This keeps soil cool and moist. It also reduces weed competition. Apply mulch after seedlings are 2 inches tall.
Common Pests And Diseases
Flea beetles are the biggest pest for arugula in New Jersey. They make small holes in leaves. Use row cover right after planting to block them. Diatomaceous earth also works.
Aphids sometimes appear on new growth. Spray them off with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soap works if infestations are heavy. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides.
Downy mildew can occur in humid weather. Space plants well for air circulation. Water at soil level, not on leaves. Remove infected plants to prevent spread.
Slugs And Snails
Slugs love arugula in wet springs. Set out beer traps or use iron phosphate bait. Handpick at night with a flashlight. Copper tape around raised beds deters them.
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and ground beetles. They eat aphids and slug eggs. Plant dill, fennel, or yarrow nearby to attract them.
Harvesting Arugula
Start harvesting when leaves are 3 to 4 inches long. Pick outer leaves first, leaving the center to grow. This cut-and-come-again method gives multiple harvests.
For baby arugula, harvest entire plants when 3 inches tall. Use scissors to cut 1 inch above soil. New growth may appear if weather stays cool.
Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp. Rinse gently and dry in a salad spinner. Store in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.
When To Stop Harvesting
Stop harvesting when arugula starts to bolt. Bolting means the plant sends up a flower stalk. Leaves become bitter and tough at this point.
You can eat the flowers, which are edible and mild. Let some plants go to seed if you want to save seeds for next year. Seeds are ready when pods turn brown.
Extending The Season
Use row cover to protect arugula from light frost. It adds 4 to 6 degrees of warmth. Remove cover on sunny days to prevent overheating.
Cold frames extend harvest into December. Build a simple frame with glass or plastic. Vent on warm days to prevent mold. Arugula survives temperatures down to 20°F under cover.
Grow arugula indoors in winter. Use a south-facing window or grow lights. Plant in shallow containers with drainage holes. Harvest leaves as needed.
Winter Arugula Varieties
Some varieties are bred for cold tolerance. ‘Winter Purslane’ and ‘Sylvetta’ are good choices. They grow slower but survive frost better than standard types.
Plant winter varieties in September for cold frame growing. They produce leaves through winter with minimal care. Harvest sparingly to keep plants healthy.
Best Arugula Varieties For New Jersey
Choose bolt-resistant varieties for spring planting. ‘Astro’ and ‘Apollo’ are slow to bolt. They stay sweet longer in warm weather. ‘Rocket’ is a classic variety that grows fast.
For fall, try ‘Wild Rocket’ or ‘Wasabi Arugula’. They have stronger flavor and handle cold better. ‘Sylvetta’ is a perennial type that returns each year.
Microgreen mixes often include arugula. You can harvest them in 10 to 14 days. They are perfect for salads and sandwiches. Use a shallow tray with seed-starting mix.
Companion Planting With Arugula
Plant arugula near carrots, onions, or lettuce. They share similar growing conditions. Avoid planting near strawberries or potatoes, as they compete for nutrients.
Dill and cilantro attract beneficial insects that eat arugula pests. Plant them around the bed edges. Marigolds repel nematodes and add color.
Interplant arugula with slower-growing crops like broccoli or kale. Arugula matures quickly and is harvested before larger plants shade it. This maximizes garden space.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If arugula tastes bitter, it’s likely too hot or stressed. Water more consistently and harvest younger leaves. Shade cloth can reduce heat stress in late spring.
Yellow leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency. Apply a quick-release fertilizer like fish emulsion. Overwatering can also cause yellowing, so check soil moisture first.
Leggy seedlings mean not enough light. Move plants to full sun or use grow lights. Thin seedlings to reduce competition for light.
Bolting Prevention
Bolting is triggered by long days and heat. Plant early in spring or late in summer. Choose bolt-resistant varieties for mid-season planting.
Harvest frequently to delay bolting. Remove flower stalks as soon as they appear. Once bolting starts, leaves become bitter and plants decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant arugula in July in New Jersey?
July is too hot for arugula in most of New Jersey. The heat causes immediate bolting. Wait until August for fall planting.
How late can I plant arugula in the fall?
You can plant arugula up to 4 weeks before your first frost date. In southern NJ, that’s mid-September. In northern NJ, early September is the limit.
Do I need to fertilize arugula?
Light fertilizing helps, but arugula is not heavy feeder. Compost at planting time is usually enough. If leaves look pale, use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Can arugula survive winter in New Jersey?
With protection, yes. A cold frame or row cover allows winter harvest. Without cover, arugula dies in hard freezes below 20°F.
Should I start arugula indoors or direct sow?
Direct sowing is best because arugula has taproots that dislike transplanting. If you start indoors, use biodegradable pots and transplant carefully.
Final Tips For New Jersey Gardeners
Keep a garden journal to track planting dates each year. Note weather patterns and harvest times. This helps you refine your schedule over time.
Join a local gardening group or extension service. They provide zone-specific advice. Rutgers Cooperative Extension offers workshops and soil testing.
Experiment with different varieties and planting dates. What works for your neighbor may not work for you. Soil, sun, and microclimate all matter.
Arugula is one of the easiest greens to grow in New Jersey. With two planting windows and simple care, you can enjoy fresh salads from spring through fall. Start with the right timing and you’ll have success.
Remember to water consistently, harvest often, and protect from pests. Your reward is a steady supply of peppery leaves that taste better than store-bought. Happy growing.