Rainline Garden

When to plant arugula in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA

Plant arugula from seed, directly in the garden in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, Mar 25 – May 6. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 27 – Sep 17.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Aberdeen and Hoquiam's typical last spring frost is March 30. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. On the coast, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 25.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Spacing
Thin to 4 inches apart
Planting depth
¼ inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 35 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Mar 25 – May 6, ¼ inch deep, Thin to 4 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Plant again Aug 27 – Sep 17 for a fall harvest.
  5. Harvest: Pick leaves when they're 2 to 3 inches long, about three weeks after sowing. Young leaves are the mildest.

Varieties that do well here

  • Astro
  • Wild arugula (Sylvetta)
  • Rocket

Watch out for

Flea beetles riddle the leaves with tiny holes in spring. Floating row cover laid on at sowing keeps them off.

Fast and frost-tolerant. It bolts in heat, so sow small batches in spring and again in late summer.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA?

Typically March 30. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 25. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Hoquiam Bowerman Airport.

Is it too late to plant arugula in Aberdeen and Hoquiam?

The spring planting window runs through May 6. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 27 to September 17.

How long until I can harvest arugula?

About 35 days after planting. Pick leaves when they're 2 to 3 inches long, about three weeks after sowing. Young leaves are the mildest.

Also plant in Aberdeen and Hoquiam around the same time

Planting dates for arugula in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Aberdeen and Hoquiam · Arugula in every city