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Arugula also known as rocket, is a tasty and nutrient-dense leafy green that can be a delightful addition to any home garden. When grown outdoors arugula thrives in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, making it a perfect choice for extending the growing season. With proper planting techniques and care, you can grow a vibrant and productive arugula garden right in your own backyard. In this article, we will share tips and tricks for successfully growing arugula outdoors so you can enjoy fresh, homegrown arugula all season long.
Choosing the Best Location
When it comes to growing arugula in your garden, location is key. Arugula prefers full sun, which means choosing a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is ideal, while afternoon shade will help keep plants from bolting or getting too hot. Make sure your planting area has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8. Amend native soil with aged compost or organic fertilizer before planting to provide nutrients and improve texture.
The best locations for an outdoor arugula garden are raised beds, containers, or in-ground rows. Arugula can also be planted around the edges of a vegetable garden or tucked into an open sunny spot in a flower bed. Just be sure to allow enough space between plants for growth.
When to Plant
One of the keys to growing great arugula is timing your planting properly Arugula thrives in cool weather and will bolt quickly once temperatures climb above 75°F
In most climates, the best times for planting arugula outdoors are:
- Early spring as soon as soil can be worked, 3-4 weeks before your last frost date
- Late summer/early fall for a fall harvest, 6-8 weeks before your first frost
You can also succession plant small batches of arugula every 2-3 weeks to ensure a steady harvest. Just be sure to provide shade or pick leaves early if temperatures rise
How to Plant
When planting your arugula garden, follow these simple steps for success:
- Direct sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in rows or loose groups, 12-18 inches apart
- Keep soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, in about 7-10 days
- Thin young plants to 4-6 inches apart once they reach 3 inches tall
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds
You can also start arugula indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting seedlings outdoors. Just be sure harden off plants first and transplant on a mild, cloudy day to prevent shock.
Caring for Your Arugula
With proper care, your arugula plants will thrive and provide you with tangy, peppery greens all season long. Here are a few tips for keeping your arugula healthy and productive:
- Water regularly, about 1 inch per week. Don’t let soil dry out completely.
- Fertilize 4 weeks after germination with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and discourage weeds.
- Monitor for pests like flea beetles, aphids, or cabbage worms and remove any you see by hand.
Harvesting Arugula
One of the joys of growing arugula is getting to harvest fresh greens for salads or cooking. You can begin harvesting arugula leaves about 4-6 weeks after planting seeds. Here are a few harvesting tips:
- Use scissors to cut outer leaves 1-2 inches above the base when they reach 3-4 inches long.
- Pick leaves in early morning after the dew has dried for best flavor.
- Harvest frequently, every 1-2 weeks. This encourages continual production.
- If bolting occurs, harvest the entire plant by cutting just above the soil line.
Enjoying Your Homegrown Arugula
Once harvested, arugula should be consumed right away for peak freshness. Gently rinse leaves and pat dry before using. Store unwashed arugula in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Some delicious ways to enjoy your homegrown arugula include:
- Adding young leaves to fresh salads, sandwiches, tacos, or flatbreads
- Blending into green smoothies, pesto, or herb sauces
- Wilting into hot pasta, pizza, or soups at the end for a flavor boost
- Sauteing lightly with olive oil and eating as a warm side dish
Growing an outdoor arugula garden takes a bit of planning, but pays off all season long with tasty, nutritious greens. Position arugula in full sun, plant at the right time for your climate, keep soil moist, and harvest frequently once leaves reach 3-4 inches. With this simple care, you can grow enough arugula to spice up meals for your entire family. What will be your first recipe when those peppery leaves are ready to harvest?
When to Plant Arugula
- Arugula seeds will germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C), so sow them outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. See local frost dates.
- Sow in late summer or early fall for a fall or winter harvest.
Where to Plant Arugula
Arugula does best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil but will tolerate a wide variety of conditions, making it a great choice for containers, raised beds, or traditional garden beds. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7.
Plant in a spot with full sun (6 or more hours of sunlight) for the best results. Arugula will grow in partial sun, but not as well.
Avoid planting arugula in areas where its relatives (other Brassicas) have recently been planted, as pests and disease may persist.