Arugula - A Gem in the Garden

Have you tried growing arugula? I was recently talking to one of my neighbors about this amazing little leaf that really packs a punch. It’s one of my favorite leafy greens and I love growing it all year round but, this is the time of year is when it thrives! Like most plants in the brassica family, it thrives in cooler temperatures, but it’s tough enough that even in our warm spring and falls it can thrive if planted strategically.

Here are the basic things you need to know.

Temperature:

• Arugula prefers temperatures between 45°F and 75°F.

• It grows best in early spring and fall in San Antonio.

• In warmer weather, provide some shade to prevent bolting (going to seed prematurely).

Planting Season:

• Fall planting: Mid-September to late November.

• Spring planting: Late February to early April.

• Consider successive planting every 2-3 weeks to maintain a continuous harvest.

Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

• Enrich soil with organic matter like compost for optimal growth.

• Ensure consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.

Light Needs:

• Full sun is ideal for fall and early spring.

• In late spring or early fall, partial shade helps prevent heat stress.

Keep it watered regularly and harvest when leaves are 2”-3” long or let them grow bigger. The more time the leaves have on the plant, the spicier they will taste.

Also, Arugula is known to have high levels of glucosinolates which give it potential cancer fighting properties which is important to me as a cancer survivor! Other health benefits of arugula include anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, support detoxification and help improve gut health. Pick up some arugula seeds today and get started!