Arugula is a leafy green that thrives in cooler weather and is easy to grow and harvest. Its distinct, sharp taste and flexible planting schedule make it an excellent choice for your vegetable garden. Arugula leaves not only add flavour but also pair well with other crops like beets, carrots, onions, and spinach.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, arugula is a versatile and quick-growing plant that can enhance the overall variety and taste of your home-grown produce. Consider including arugula in your garden to enjoy its delicious leaves and the convenience of a plant that flourishes in cooler seasons.
What is Arugula?
Arugula, scientifically known as Eruca sativa, and also referred to as garden rocket, roquette, or rucola, is a plant you can eat. It belongs to the Brassica family, which includes other veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and collard greens. Arugula originally comes from the Mediterranean region and has been a common ingredient in Italian and French dishes for a long time. In recent decades, it has gained popularity in the United States and is frequently used in salads.
Arugula has a peppery taste and is known for its leafy green appearance. It’s easy to include in various dishes, and its popularity as a salad green has increased in the U.S. Arugula is not just tasty but also nutritious, offering several health benefits. Like its Brassica family counterparts, it adds a unique flavour to your meals while contributing to a well-balanced diet.
Whether you’re a fan of trying new foods or looking to enhance the taste of your salads, arugula is worth considering. Its versatility in the kitchen and positive impact on your health make it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to check out this delightful leafy green and explore the various ways you can incorporate it into your meals.
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Best Times to Grow Arugula
Arugula is a vegetable that likes cooler weather. The best times to plant it are early spring and fall. You can also plant arugula seeds in late summer to harvest them in early winter.
Arugula that grows in cool weather tastes sweeter than when it grows in warm weather. So, choose the time to plant based on the weather you have. As soon as the soil is ready for planting, put arugula seeds in the ground. You can plant them alone or with other types of greens. This way, you’ll have a good chance of growing tasty arugula for your meals.
Simple Guide On How to Plant Arugula
If you’re interested in growing arugula, here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to do it from seeds, right in your garden.
1. Give Them Space: When planting arugula seeds, make sure to provide enough space for them to grow. Plant the seeds a quarter of an inch deep and one inch apart. To avoid overcrowding, leave at least 10 inches between rows. Choose a sunny spot for planting, but partial shade works too.
2. Plant Regularly for a Continuous Harvest: For a constant supply of fresh arugula, consider planting seeds every two to three weeks. This staggered planting ensures that you’ll have a continuous harvest rather than a one-time yield.
3. Choose the Right Type: Opt for heat-resistant arugula strains, such as wild arugula, if you’re aiming for a summer harvest. Picking the right variety ensures better adaptation to warmer temperatures, giving you a successful and satisfying growing experience.
Simple Tips for Caring And Growing Tasty Arugula
Arugula is a straightforward plant to grow, even if the conditions aren’t perfect. To ensure your arugula tastes its best and is sweet, follow these easy steps:
1. Ensure Optimal Soil Conditions
To grow a healthy arugula, first, test your soil’s acidity. Arugula flourishes best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Additionally, maintain a proper nitrogen balance in your soil during both the seeding and growing stages. This will contribute to the overall well-being of your arugula plants.
By monitoring these factors, you create an environment where arugula can thrive and produce robust, flavorful leaves. So, check your soil pH regularly, and ensure it stays within the recommended range. Keep a consistent nitrogen balance for optimal growth throughout the entire arugula cultivation process.
2. Keep The Environment Cool
Arugula thrives in full sun but prefers a cooler environment. It can also tolerate partial shade. To ensure a successful harvest, shield arugula rows from excessive heat to prevent bolting. Bolting occurs when the plant produces flowers, making the leaves too bitter for consumption.
Keeping the crop cool and shaded during hot spells will help maintain the crisp and delicious quality of the arugula leaves. This simple guide emphasizes the importance of temperature control in cultivating a bountiful and flavorful arugula crop, providing easy-to-follow tips for a successful and enjoyable gardening experience.
3. Water Properly for Healthy Plants
Make sure to water your arugula plants consistently by moistening the soil, and avoiding direct water on the leaves to prevent blight and mildew. Arugula thrives in nutrient-rich soil with its shallow roots, requiring watering when the topsoil has dried about an inch deep. This practice ensures the right balance for the plant’s growth and prevents water-related issues.
Remember, keeping the soil adequately hydrated promotes a healthy environment for your arugula to flourish.
4. Thin to Remove Excess Plants
Gently remove excess arugula plants to ensure they have enough space and prevent diseases. Thinning is crucial for the well-being of your arugula. However, don’t discard the trimmed leaves; they make an excellent addition to salads as baby arugula. This practice promotes proper air circulation among the plants and prevents overcrowding, fostering a healthier growing environment.
By selectively thinning your arugula, you not only maintain plant vitality but also gain a tasty addition to your culinary endeavours with the tender, baby arugula leaves. This simple step in plant care ensures that your arugula thrives and provides a fresh, flavorful boost to your salads.
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5. Protect Your Arugula from Pests
Arugula is at risk from pests like flea beetles, cabbage worms, and downy mildew. To safeguard your crop, employ simple methods. Use floating row covers to keep away beetles, and set up sticky traps to deter intruders. These measures are effective and easy to apply, ensuring a healthier arugula yield. Remember, a little care goes a long way in keeping your arugula thriving and pest-free.
How to You Harvest Arugula?
Growing arugula is a quick and easy process, taking just four to six days from seed to sprout. When it comes time to harvest, you have two options: either pull up the entire plant or cut individual leaves. For the best baby arugula, aim for leaves that are two to three inches long. Keep in mind that the taste becomes sharper as the leaves mature. If you prefer a milder flavor, harvest the arugula when it’s still young.
If you want your arugula plant to keep producing new leaves, be gentle in your harvest. Only cut away about a third of the plant to encourage regrowth. Timing matters too – it’s advisable to wait for a cooler temperature before picking your arugula. Harvesting under the scorching sun can lead to quicker wilting, so opt for cooler and drier times, such as the evening or before the morning dew sets in.
Watch out for signs of ageing in your arugula; older plants may bolt and sprout white flowers, which are not only visually appealing but also edible. Experiment with the age of the leaves to find the flavour that suits your palate best.
Whether you choose to enjoy the delicate taste of baby arugula or the bolder flavour of mature leaves, harvesting at the right time and under the right conditions ensures a satisfying culinary experience.
