How to Grow Arugula at Home: Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery, fast-growing leafy green that adds a vibrant kick to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Its distinct flavor and nutritional value make it a favorite among home cooks and gardeners alike. If you’re looking to add a fresh, flavorful touch to your meals and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food, then learning how to grow arugula at home is a rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the steps, from seed to plate, to ensure a bountiful harvest of this delicious green.

Choosing the Right Arugula Variety

The first step in your arugula journey is to select the right variety for your needs. Arugula comes in various forms, each with its unique characteristics:

• Traditional Arugula: This classic variety has a strong, peppery flavor and is perfect for salads and sandwiches.
• Wild Arugula: With a more intense, bitter flavor, this variety is ideal for seasoned palates and adds a bold kick to dishes.
• Baby Arugula: This variety is harvested young, resulting in tender, sweet leaves with a milder flavor. It’s perfect for salads and as a garnish.
• Red Arugula: With its vibrantly colored leaves, this variety adds visual appeal and a slightly sweeter flavor to dishes.

Consider your preferences and the intended use of your arugula when choosing a variety. For beginners, traditional arugula is a good starting point, offering a balanced flavor profile.

Sowing Your Arugula Seeds

Arugula is a fast-growing plant, and its seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors.

Direct Sowing:

• Timing: Arugula prefers cool weather, so sow seeds in early spring or late summer.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them about 1 inch apart.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Starting Indoors:

• 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 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed 2-3 true leaves, transplant them outdoors, spacing them 6-12 inches apart.

Nurturing Your Arugula Plants

Once your arugula seedlings emerge, it’s time to provide them with the care they need to thrive.

Watering:

Arugula needs consistent moisture, especially during hot weather. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizing:

Arugula is a light feeder, so fertilizing is not always necessary. However, if your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Weeding:

Keep the area around your arugula plants weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Thinning:

If you sowed your seeds densely, thin out the seedlings to give them space to grow. Leave the strongest plants and remove the weaker ones.

Harvesting Your Arugula

Arugula is ready for harvest when the leaves are about 3-4 inches long. You can harvest individual leaves or cut the entire plant at ground level.

Harvesting Tips:

• Cut leaves: For a continuous harvest, cut individual leaves from the outer edges of the plant.
• Whole plant harvest: For a one-time harvest, cut the entire plant at ground level.
• Timing: Harvest arugula in the morning after the dew has dried.
• Storage: Store harvested arugula in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Extending Your Arugula Season

Arugula is a cool-season crop, but you can enjoy its fresh flavor throughout the year by using a few tricks:

Succession Planting:

Sow new arugula seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply.

Winter Growing:

In mild climates, arugula can be grown during the winter months. Protect your plants from frost with a row cover or by planting them in a cold frame.

Container Gardening:

Grow arugula in containers on your patio or balcony to extend the growing season and protect plants from pests.

Troubleshooting Common Arugula Problems

While arugula is relatively easy to grow, there are a few common problems that may arise.

Pests:

• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from arugula plants. Control them with insecticidal soap or by introducing ladybugs, which are natural predators of aphids.
• Flea beetles: These tiny beetles can damage arugula leaves. Cover your plants with row covers or use insecticidal soap to repel them.

Diseases:

• Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation to prevent downy mildew.

Other Issues:

• Bolting: Arugula may bolt, or flower prematurely, if exposed to hot temperatures. To prevent bolting, sow seeds in the cooler months or provide shade during hot weather.

Arugula: A Culinary Delight

Arugula’s peppery flavor and versatility make it a culinary star. Here are a few ways to enjoy this delicious green:

• Salads: Arugula is a classic salad ingredient, adding a bold flavor to mixed greens.
• Sandwiches: Layer arugula on sandwiches for a fresh, peppery kick.
• Pizzas: Arugula is a popular topping for pizzas, adding a vibrant flavor contrast to the cheese and sauce.
• Pasta dishes: Toss arugula into pasta dishes for a flavorful and healthy addition.
• Smoothies: Blend arugula into smoothies for a hidden dose of greens and flavor.

Your Arugula Journey Begins

Growing arugula at home is a rewarding experience. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this flavorful green. From choosing the right variety to nurturing your plants, this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to embark on your own arugula journey.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: How long does it take for arugula to grow?

A: Arugula is a fast-growing plant. It typically takes about 3-4 weeks from sowing to harvest.

Q: Can I grow arugula in pots?

A: Yes, arugula can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and ensure it has drainage holes.

Q: What are the best companion plants for arugula?

A: Arugula grows well with other leafy greens, such as spinach and lettuce. It also benefits from the presence of herbs like basil and thyme.

Q: What are some common arugula pests?

A: Arugula is susceptible to pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Use organic pest control methods to manage these pests.

Q: Can I save arugula seeds for next year?

A: Yes, you can save arugula seeds. Allow the seed pods to mature on the plant until they turn brown and dry. Collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place.