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 1 – June 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 climate in this region varies, allowing for both cooler and moderate temperatures that are ideal for arugula’s growth. Understanding the local USDA Hardiness Zones is crucial for determining optimal planting times and conditions.
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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 gives your crop the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
For perennial plants, look for the wild rocket types. This variety may be a bit spicier but will return year after year.
The most commonly used type is the Astro variant.
Astro 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
Planting trays help organize seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before transplanting outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Find Planting Trays on Amazon
Grow Lights
Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the necessary light to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon
Seed Starting Soil
Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon
Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities
Plant arugula outdoors approximately 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn to ensure optimal growth and flavor.
City | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Portland | November 10 |
Eugene | November 15 |
Salem | November 5 |
Medford | November 20 |
Bend | September 30 |
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
In cooler climates, using a greenhouse can effectively protect arugula from frost and extreme weather. This controlled environment allows for year-round cultivation and ensures consistent temperature control, which is particularly beneficial during cold months. Furthermore, greenhouses can significantly extend the growing season, allowing for earlier planting in spring and later harvests in fall.
This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE can be found on Amazon for $999.00 right now.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Fertilizer
For optimal growth, supplementing with fertilizer in the spring can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Check out Fertilizer on Amazon
Other planting guides for Oregon:
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General Care and Maintenance
Watering
- Water arugula consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially important in dry climates.
- Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to reduce fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the first true leaves appear. Incorporating compost can enhance soil fertility and structure.
Pest and Disease Management
- Regularly monitor for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Vigilant pest management is essential, especially in warmer climates.
- Use organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.
Harvesting
- Harvest leaves when they reach the desired size, typically 3-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest season.
In my garden, I try to plant this crop in both spring and fall for the best yields. It thrives in cooler temperatures. If you don’t have the time to start from seeds, you can find young plants at local nurseries.
If you’re unsure about when to harvest your salad greens, look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves can also promote new growth and extend your harvest.
Also remember to check for pests like aphids and manage them promptly. With proper care and attention, growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that adds a delicious touch to your meals.
Starting Arugula Indoors
In Oregon (Zone 8), begin indoor arugula seed starting from late February to mid-March. This timeline ensures robust seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting in mid-April once the danger of frost has subsided.
Transplanting Arugula Seedlings
Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 50°F. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 12-18 inches between rows for optimal growth.
General Care and Maintenance
Watering
- Provide consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the warm months of summer. Oregon’s varying climate may require adjustments in watering frequency.
- Water at the base of plants to prevent leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and every four weeks during the growing season. Incorporating compost can significantly improve soil fertility and structure.
Pest and Disease Management
- Regularly check for pests such as aphids and leaf miners, as well as diseases like downy mildew. Monitoring is crucial to maintaining healthy arugula plants.
- Consider using organic pest management techniques and encourage beneficial insects to help control pest populations.
Harvesting
- Harvest arugula leaves when they reach 3-6 inches in height for the best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest season.
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.
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FAQ
What are the best planting dates for arugula?
In Oregon, the best time to plant arugula is in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
Can I plant arugula in the summer?
While arugula can be planted in the summer, it may bolt quickly in hot weather. It’s typically better suited for spring and fall planting.
How late can I plant arugula for a fall harvest?
Arugula can be planted until late August or early September for a fall harvest, giving it time to mature before the first frost.
Should I start arugula seeds indoors?
Arugula is hardy and does not require starting indoors. Direct sowing in the garden is usually sufficient
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