What To Know
- This guide will reveal the secrets to how to grow arugula year round, ensuring a continuous supply of this delicious and nutritious green.
- However, arugula bolts (goes to seed) quickly in hot weather, typically above 80°F (27°C), making it challenging to grow during the summer in warmer climates.
- Plant arugula in the shade during the hottest months, or consider growing it in containers to move them to cooler locations.
Arugula, with its peppery bite and vibrant green leaves, is a welcome addition to salads, sandwiches, and even pasta dishes. But what if you could enjoy fresh arugula straight from your garden all year round? This guide will reveal the secrets to how to grow arugula year round, ensuring a continuous supply of this delicious and nutritious green.
Understanding Arugula’s Growth Habits
Arugula, a fast-growing member of the mustard family, thrives in cool weather. It prefers temperatures between 40-75°F (4-24°C) and can tolerate light frost. This means you can enjoy fresh arugula even during the colder months. However, arugula bolts (goes to seed) quickly in hot weather, typically above 80°F (27°C), making it challenging to grow during the summer in warmer climates.
Choosing the Right Location and Soil
To cultivate arugula successfully, choosing the right location and soil is crucial.
- Sunlight: Arugula prefers full sun to partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Soil: Arugula thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
Planting Arugula: Timing is Key
The key to growing arugula year-round lies in strategic planting.
Spring Planting:
- Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
- Direct sow seeds outdoors after the soil has warmed up, typically in late spring.
Summer Planting:
- Plant arugula in the shade during the hottest months, or consider growing it in containers to move them to cooler locations.
- Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks can ensure a continuous harvest.
Fall Planting:
- Direct sow arugula seeds in the fall, about 6 weeks before the first frost.
- Arugula can tolerate light frost, allowing you to enjoy fresh greens even during the cooler months.
Cultivating Your Arugula Patch
Once your arugula is planted, regular care will ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Arugula is a light feeder. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
- Weeding: Regularly weed your arugula patch to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Thinning: Thin out seedlings to 6-8 inches apart to allow for optimal growth.
Harvesting Your Arugula
Arugula is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 3-4 inches long. You can harvest the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Cut-and-come-again harvesting: Cut the leaves about an inch above the soil level to encourage new growth.
- Whole plant harvesting: For a quick and easy harvest, pull out the entire plant, leaving the roots in the ground.
Protecting Your Arugula from Pests and Diseases
Arugula is generally a pest-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
- Pests: Aphids, flea beetles, and slugs can be a problem. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
- Diseases: Downy mildew and white rust are common fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation to prevent these diseases.
Arugula: Beyond the Garden
Arugula is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many ways.
- Salads: Add a peppery kick to your salads with fresh arugula leaves.
- Sandwiches: Use arugula as a flavorful and nutritious alternative to lettuce in your sandwiches.
- Pasta: Toss arugula with pasta, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious and simple meal.
- Pestos: Make a vibrant and flavorful pesto with arugula, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Arugula Year-Round: Tips for Success
Here are a few additional tips to help you grow arugula successfully year-round:
- Successive planting: Plant new arugula seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply throughout the growing season.
- Shade cloth: Use shade cloth during the hottest months to protect your arugula from excessive heat.
- Container gardening: Grow arugula in containers to move them to cooler locations during the summer months.
- Cold frames: Use cold frames to extend the growing season in the fall and spring.
Enjoying the Bounty of Your Arugula Garden
Growing arugula year-round is a rewarding experience. You’ll have a constant supply of fresh, flavorful greens to enjoy in your favorite recipes. With a little planning and effort, you can savor the peppery bite of arugula all year long.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I grow arugula in pots?
A: Yes, arugula grows well in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Q: When is the best time to harvest arugula?
A: Harvest arugula when the leaves are about 3-4 inches long. You can cut the outer leaves or harvest the whole plant.
Q: How do I prevent arugula from bolting?
A: Plant arugula in cool weather and avoid over-fertilizing. Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks can also help prevent bolting.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect arugula?
A: Aphids, flea beetles, and slugs can be a problem. Downy mildew and white rust are common fungal diseases.
