Arugula

Arugula

August 24, 2024

Introduction

Why are we buying arugula at the store only to have it go bad a few days later? We're going to simplify growing arugula, even in the most urban of settings. Bold, peppery, and ready to spice up your life (and your salads), it thrives in small spaces, making it perfect for city-dwelling gardeners.

The What

Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a delightful leafy green that adds a peppery zest to dishes. Belonging to the brassica family, which includes cabbage and broccoli, its elongated, deeply lobed leaves offer a crunchy texture alongside a spicy kick. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, arugula's antioxidants help protect cells from damage, making it a nutritious addition to salads and sandwiches.

The Why

Growing arugula in NYC brings freshness and flavor to your urban oasis. Ideal for balconies, rooftops, or indoor systems, it thrives in containers, offering a constant supply of crisp, pesticide-free greens. Intercrop arugula with radishes, which mature quickly, or carrots, which won’t interfere with arugula’s shallow roots. Lettuce and beets also make great companions, enhancing space and providing variety. This approach ensures a vibrant, sustainable city living experience.

Sunlight Requirements

Arugula requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade in hot temperatures. Indoors, grow in pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 10-12 hours per day.

Water Requirements

Keep soil evenly moist, watering regularly. Indoors, air can dry soil quickly; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Arugula is a cool weather crop and thrives in 40-75°F, ideally 50-65°F. Plant outdoors March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, keep at 65-75°F year-round.

Container Size

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon

Outdoors: 6-8" wide, 6-8" deep, 1-2 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Arugula thrives in moisture-retentive potting mix with organic compost; indoors, worm castings is ideal. Keep the soil consistently moist when starting from seed.

How to Add Fertilizer

Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer 20-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: fish emulsion, blood meal. Consistent fertilization encourages rapid, leafy growth.

Growth Duration

Arugula is ready for harvest 20-40 days after planting, or when the leaves are 2-3 inches long. Will go to seed in hot weather. Indoors, arugula lives for 2-3 months; outdoors, arugula typically lasts for 4-6 weeks.

How To Trim

Harvest outer arugula leaves regularly and trim long steams to prevent arugula from going to seed. Frequent harvesting ensures tender, peppery leaves.

Growing Challenges

Wilting: Water regularly, avoid overwatering. Bolting: Plant in cooler weather. Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water and/or release ladybugs.

Interesting Facts

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Blog
Arugula

Arugula

Why are we buying arugula at the store only to have it go bad a few days later? We're going to simplify growing arugula, even in the most urban of settings. Bold, peppery, and ready to spice up your life (and your salads), it thrives in small spaces, making it perfect for city-dwelling gardeners.

Arugula

Here are the essential Arugula basics you need.

Sunlight Requirements

Arugula requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade in hot temperatures. Indoors, grow in pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 10-12 hours per day.

Water Requirements

Keep soil evenly moist, watering regularly. Indoors, air can dry soil quickly; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Arugula is a cool weather crop and thrives in 40-75°F, ideally 50-65°F. Plant outdoors March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, keep at 65-75°F year-round.

Container Size

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon

Outdoors: 6-8" wide, 6-8" deep, 1-2 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Arugula thrives in moisture-retentive potting mix with organic compost; indoors, worm castings is ideal. Keep the soil consistently moist when starting from seed.

Fertilizing

Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer 20-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: fish emulsion, blood meal. Consistent fertilization encourages rapid, leafy growth.

Growth Duration

Arugula is ready for harvest 20-40 days after planting, or when the leaves are 2-3 inches long. Will go to seed in hot weather. Indoors, arugula lives for 2-3 months; outdoors, arugula typically lasts for 4-6 weeks.

How To Trim

Harvest outer arugula leaves regularly and trim long steams to prevent arugula from going to seed. Frequent harvesting ensures tender, peppery leaves.

Growing Challenges

Wilting: Water regularly, avoid overwatering. Bolting: Plant in cooler weather. Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water and/or release ladybugs.

The Many Varieties of Arugula

There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.

You can get a variety pack with 8 types of basil here.

Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!

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