Arugula Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest in Your Garden

Do you want to make your dishes more interesting by adding peppery taste and at the same time, having a green plant that is easy to take care of and grows quickly? Then, the arugula is for you! This guide is for everyone, whether you are a professional gardener or just a beginner, it will give you all information for the successful growth of arugula from seed to harvesting. It is a well-known fact that arugula is a hardy green and that it can withstand a wide variety of climatic changes. Are you not sure where to start from? Well, soil preparation, and harvesting, which includes effective tips and insights to turn your garden into a blossom of flavors and colors, are all waiting for you. The sweet reward of having arugula will come soon!

One of the best things about growing arugula is getting a lot of different kinds of benefits, such as health, and practical ones. Being top-notch source of vitamins A, C, and K, together with antioxidants, calcium and potassium, this is a very nutritious diet supplement. The nature of this crop being fast-growing, allows gardeners to reap fresh products within a couple of weeks which is another reason that this crop is so often sown in succession during the cool seasons. It is also very easy to take care of, tolerating a small space and in return asking very little time and effort from the gardener. Additionally, growing your own arugula guarantees you freshness, no pesticides, and a sustainable way of savoring this deliciousness.

1. Prepare the Soil: The first step to growing arugula is to prepare the soil. Well-draining soil which is rich in organic matter should be chosen. The sun’s location should be partially to fully lit.
2. Sow the Seeds: Arugula seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/4″ and 1″ apart in rows that are spaced 6-12″ apart.
3. Water Consistently: The soil should always be kept moist but not soggy.
4. Thin the Seedlings: When the seedlings have grown to a height of 2″, they can be thinned so that there are 4-6″ of space between plants for the best growth.
5. Harvesting: Picking of leaves can be done when they measure 2-3″ long since that is the point of their best flavor. Constant picking is a method of encouraging new growth.

📌 Quick Tip: Arugula is a fast-maturing plant that usually takes 4-6 weeks from sowing to harvesting, thus it is a good option for novice gardeners.

Arugula tolerates heat poorly, thus, early spring and fall are the best times to grow it. For spring planting, sow seeds just when the soil is workable, usually 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. For a fall harvest, arugula seeds should be planted in late summer or early fall, about 6-8 weeks prior to the first frost. Do not sow during peak summer heat since high temperatures trigger the plant to bolt and eventually deplete the quality of leaves. Planting every second week can assure steady production throughout the growing season.

Arugula is a quick-growing leafy vegetable that flourishes in the cold season. To cultivate arugula, plant the seeds straight into the ground to the depth of 1/4 inch and keep them 1 inch apart in rows that are 10-12 inches apart. For constant collection, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks in the growing season. The preferred climate for arugula is full sun to partial shade and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Maintain the soil’s moisture constantly but do not let it get waterlogged. Normally, it takes about 5-7 days for germination, and in another 3-4 weeks, the leaves are of harvestable size.

Full sun is the condition for optimal growth, with the most crops requiring at least 6 to 8 hours per day of direct light for maximum photosynthesis and energy production. There are temperature requirements that vary with species; however, the warm-season ones generally prefer the heat of 70° to 85°F, while the cool ones crave 55° to 75°F. The very high and very low temperatures that go beyond these ranges can affect the growth, flowering, and fruiting cycle. To avoid stress, apply practices like mulching for temperature control and planting at the right time based on seasonal conditions to match the plants’ needs.

To harvest arugula the right way, one should first look for the outer leaves that are 3-4 inches long and pick them as they are the best for eating. Use disinfected scissors or a garden shear to cut around the leaves at the base but make sure not to damage the center of the plant where the new leaves grow. This technique allows the plant to keep on producing new growth for the entire season. Pick during the early hours to ensure the leaves’ crispness and flavor are preserved. Keeping on regularly taking off the outer leaves will be letting the plant work more and providing the eaters with fresh and tender arugula all the time.

The right storage of freshly cut arugula will help in maintaining its quality. It is necessary to do the washing of leaves after harvesting gently with cool water to get rid of dirt or debris and then drying them with a clean cloth or paper towel, keeping the moisture which can cause spoilage, to a minimum. After being dried, the arugula should be kept in either a storage bag or container that is breathable and lined with a paper towel in order that the towel absorbs any leftover moisture. The container should be kept in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator at 32°F to 40°F, which is the ideal temperature for storing. When stored correctly, arugula can last for up to a week before losing its freshness. Do not pack it in containers that do not allow air in because that might cause moisture to be trapped and hence the process of wilting or decay would be hastened. When storing, be sure to check and take away any leaves that are damaged or turning yellow so that the quality overall can be maintained.

• The Old Farmer’s Almanac: How to Plant and Grow Arugula – This guide covers planting, growing, and harvesting arugula, including tips on soil and climate conditions.

• Gardenary: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Organic Arugula – Offers insights into growing arugula in raised beds, containers, and pots, with practical advice for organic cultivation.

• Cornell Garden-Based Learning: Arugula Growing Guide – A comprehensive guide from Cornell University, detailing planting schedules, soil preparation, and care tips.

❓ When is the right time to plant arugula seeds?

In the garden, arugula seeds are to be sown in cool soil, preferably weeks before the last frost date, when soil temperatures are welcoming to germination. To have constant availability, it is a good idea to plant once every few weeks during the growing season. This method will result in multiple planting and thereby ensuring that you get fresh arugula leaves every time. Note that arugula likes semi-sunshine and can bear the heat of summer, but may go to seed if the heat lasts too long. The very first young leaves are whole and can be cut off early, while later on, the plant will give you leaves that resemble dark green oak or having deep lobes similar to being pinnate.

❓ What’s the best way to provide good air circulation to arugula plants?

When growing arugula, it is advisable to plant them with sufficient space in between each plant in the garden bed to promote air circulation. This not only encourages healthy growing but also controls the pest problems; for instance, less chance of a fungus or aphid infestation. Further, if you observe pest problems, the use of neem oil as a natural pest control option may be beneficial. Good air circulation also enables the plants to control moisture and disease, which is why planting arugula near wind currents is good for the airflow around them.

❓ What are the signs that tell me arugula is ready for harvesting?

Generally, arugula can be harvested when the whole and elongated leaves are approximately 4 to 6 weeks old after sowing seeds. The leaves should be dark green oak and tasted tangy. For continuous supply, you can do a cut-and-come-again harvest by taking the outer leaves and letting the inner ones continue to grow. This way, you prolong the period of harvesting and thus lose less fresh arugula. Keep an eye on temperatures since hot weather can cause the plant to go seed early and thus change the taste and texture of the leaves.

❓ Can I plant arugula together with other greens in my vegetable garden?

Growing arugula in a mixed garden bed with other greens like kale and radishes is quite doable and successful. Just be sure to provide all plants with enough light and correct spacing for good air circulation when you plant. Arugula is a good mix with other greens and gives a colorful and juicy harvest. Moreover, the planting of different greens can indirectly keep pests away, as some plants will be more attractive to luring in beneficial insects, which, in turn, can take care of pest issues. That said, make sure not to plant too many in the same bed since this can lead to competition for minerals and water.

❓ What action should I take if arugula goes to seed?

Once arugula goes to seed that usually means that the plant is under stress, which could be due to high temperatures or lack of water. You still can take the leaves, but they are likely to be a little more pungent and bitter. If you want to avoid this, consider earlier planting of arugula or partial shade of a locality during the hottest time of day. When the plant seeds, it will be possible to collect and save the seeds for future planting. Otherwise, simply allow the seeds to fall in the garden bed for a new crop the next season or pre-harvesting of arugula to prevent bolting.

🌱 Happy Gardening! May your arugula garden flourish and bring fresh, peppery goodness to your table! 🌱