Arugula is also known as rocket. It’s a leafy green full of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. This peppery green is popular in the kitchen and used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
Best Planting Times
Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Planting | Direct Sowing | March 15 – May 15 |
Succession Planting | Every 2-3 weeks during spring and fall | |
Greenhouse Planting | Year-round | Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse |
Planting Conditions
The temperate climate facilitates a productive growing season, making it suitable for arugula. Understanding the optimal planting conditions is essential for robust growth and yield.
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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors
Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.
Seeds
Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds ensures your arugula has the best chance to thrive from the outset.
The most commonly used seed type is the Astro variant. It is a vigorous, all-season, cut-and-come-again variety with long, silky leaves and a nutty flavor.
You can find Astro Arugula Seeds on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4gTTIgT
Planting Trays
Using planting trays helps you organize seedlings and ensures they have adequate space to grow before transplanting them outdoors, resulting in strong, healthy plants.
Find Planting Trays on Amazon
Grow Lights
Grow lights are essential if you lack sufficient natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the necessary light to grow strong and healthy.
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon
Seed Starting Soil
Using light, fine soil designed specifically for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It gives your seedlings the best start possible.
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon
Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities in the Region
When planting outdoors, time your sowing 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn to ensure optimal flavor and growth.
City | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Wilmington | November 15 |
Dover | November 10 |
Newark | November 12 |
Rehoboth Beach | November 20 |
New Castle | November 17 |
Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.
Greenhouse Growing
Using a greenhouse in cooler climates allows for earlier planting, extending the growing season for arugula. The controlled environment protects plants from unexpected cold snaps and frost, promoting robust growth. With proper temperature control, arugula can thrive even in less favorable outside conditions.
Fertilizer
For optimal growth, supplementing arugula with fertilizer can promote healthy yields. Quality fertilizer replenishes soil nutrients, encouraging vigorous plant growth.
Check out Fertilizer on Amazon
Other planting guides for Delaware:
Any questions on growing arugula? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Arugula.
General Care and Maintenance
Watering
- Water arugula consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially important during dry spells.
- Water at the base to reduce leaf wetness, helping to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
- Apply balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the first true leaves appear. Incorporating compost can significantly improve soil fertility.
Pest and Disease Management
- Regularly check for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Timely pest management is crucial to protect arugula.
- Employ organic or integrated pest management strategies to keep plants healthy.
Harvesting
- Harvest leaves when they reach 3-6 inches long. Frequent harvesting encourages new growth, prolonging the harvest season.
In my garden, I typically sow arugula in both spring and fall for optimal yields. It thrives in cooler temperatures. For those short on time, young plants are available at local nurseries.
If you’re unsure about when to harvest your arugula, look for leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves promotes new growth and extends your harvest.
Also, stay vigilant for pests like aphids and manage them quickly. With proper care, growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that adds a delicious touch to your meals.
Starting Arugula Indoors
In Delaware (Zone 7a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between February 15 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April, as they can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Transplanting Arugula Seedlings
Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 40°F. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 12 inches between rows for optimal growth.
General Care and Maintenance
Watering
- Provide consistent and moderate watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially as seedlings establish.
- Water at the base of plants to minimize wetting the leaves, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and consider side dressing with compost or organic fertilizer when plants are about 4 inches tall to boost growth.
Pest and Disease Management
- Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Maintaining good airflow and plant spacing helps minimize disease risks.
- Implement organic pest management methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using neem oil, to protect arugula from pests and diseases.
Harvesting
- Harvest arugula leaves when they reach the desired size, usually around 4-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the harvest period.
The importance of good soil
Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.
In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting
If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.
Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.
What are the best planting dates for arugula in Delaware?
Arugula can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
Can I plant arugula in the middle of summer?
It’s generally not recommended to plant arugula in the middle of summer due to high temperatures, which can cause the plant to bolt.
How can I extend the arugula growing season?
By using row covers or cold frames, you can start sowing earlier in the spring and extend the season into the fall.
What soil conditions are best for arugula planting?
Arugula thrives in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, enriched with plenty of organic matter.
How often should I water arugula plants?
Arugula needs consistent moisture. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
When is the earliest I can plant arugula in the spring?
In the spring, arugula can be planted as soon as the soil is workable, typically around mid-March.
Can arugula be grown indoors?
Yes, arugula grows well indoors in containers with adequate light and consistent moisture.
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