Arugula

Growing

Arugula thrives in the cool weather of spring and fall, making it a perfect candidate for early season planting or a late season harvest. Because it is a brassica, it prefers well-draining soil; if your garden tends to hold onto water, consider using raised beds to prevent the roots from sitting in soggy conditions, which can lead to rot. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure the plant develops its characteristic peppery flavor.

Since arugula does not ripen or improve after you pick it, you should harvest the leaves as soon as they reach your desired size. For the best texture and flavor, harvest the leaves while they are still tender. If you find the leaves are becoming too large or bitter, you can harvest them more frequently to encourage new growth from the base.

To keep your harvest fresh, store the leaves unwashed in the refrigerator. If you have an abundance, you can blanch the leaves before placing them in the freezer for later use. If you are growing in containers, ensure they have excellent drainage to keep the root zone healthy.