What To Know
- Arugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery, leafy green that adds a delightful bite to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
- With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful arugula from your garden.
- Use it in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or simply enjoy it raw with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery, leafy green that adds a delightful bite to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Its quick growth cycle and versatility make it a popular choice for home gardeners. If you’re wondering how to grow arugula in your garden, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from seed selection to harvesting, ensuring a bountiful harvest of this flavorful green.
Choosing the Right Arugula Variety: A Matter of Taste
The first step in your arugula journey is selecting the right variety. Arugula comes in various forms, each with its own unique flavor profile and growth characteristics.
- Traditional Arugula: This is the most common variety, with a strong, peppery flavor and large, deeply lobed leaves. It’s a great all-around choice for salads and sandwiches.
- Baby Arugula: This variety produces smaller, more tender leaves with a milder flavor. It’s perfect for salads and as a garnish.
- Red Arugula: This variety boasts striking red leaves and a slightly sweeter taste than traditional arugula. It’s a visually appealing addition to salads and dishes.
- Wild Arugula: This variety has a more intense, spicy flavor and smaller, more delicate leaves. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a bolder taste.
Consider your personal preferences and culinary uses when choosing your arugula variety.
Sowing Seeds: A Quick and Easy Process
Arugula seeds are small and easy to sow. You can start them directly in your garden or indoors in seed trays.
Direct Sowing:
- Timing: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. You can also sow seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Depth: Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 6-12 inches apart.
Indoor Sowing:
- Timing: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
- Depth: Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 1-2 inches apart.
Nurturing Your Arugula: From Seedling to Harvest
Arugula is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal care. Here’s how to ensure its healthy growth:
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Water deeply but infrequently.
- Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing:
- Arugula is a light feeder.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Weeding:
- Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Protecting Your Arugula: Avoiding Pests and Diseases
Arugula is generally pest and disease resistant. However, some common threats include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck sap from the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Flea Beetles: These small beetles can damage the leaves. Row covers or insecticidal soap can help deter them.
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease can cause white, fuzzy patches on the leaves. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.
Harvesting Your Arugula: A Taste of Success
Arugula is ready for harvest about 4-6 weeks after sowing.
- Harvesting: Cut the leaves with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving some of the plant intact for continued growth.
- Storage: Store harvested arugula in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for a Bountiful Harvest
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Companion Planting: Plant arugula alongside tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
- Winter Growing: In mild climates, you can grow arugula throughout the winter. Just protect it from frost with a row cover.
The Final Chapter: Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful arugula from your garden. Use it in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or simply enjoy it raw with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How often should I water my arugula?
A: Water your arugula deeply but infrequently, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist.
Q: Can I grow arugula in containers?
A: Yes, arugula grows well in containers. Choose a container at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Q: What are the best companion plants for arugula?
A: Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and basil are good companion plants for arugula.
Q: Can I freeze arugula?
A: You can freeze arugula, but it can lose its flavor and texture. Blanching before freezing can help preserve its quality.
