Arugula is in the Greens veggie category and loves cooler weather. While you can start arugula indoors or outdoors, I typically start arugula outside.
Indoor Sowing Tips:
In order to germinate, arugula seeds prefer soil temperatures between 50 and 70°F.
Sow the seeds 1/4″ deep around 1 1/2 months before the last average spring frost and 2 months before the first average fall frost under grow lights. Arugula is good for succession planting and interplanting, but it does not like the summer heat.
While I initially water the seeds from above until the seeds germinate, I switch to water from below in the seed tray.
Transplant the arugula seedlings to a 4 inch pot in the grow room once there are a few sets of true leaves and continue to water them from below in the seed tray.
Don’t forget to harden off the seedlings before transplanting in mid to late spring or late summer.
According to most seed companies, it is suggested to space the arugula seedlings about 6 inches apart. or 4 plants per square foot.
Outdoor Sowing Tips:
Arugula seeds should be sowed 1/4″ deep and the plants should be thinned to 6 inches apart or 4 plants per square foot. If you want baby arugula, then plant the seeds closer together.
Initially I water the seeds from above until the seeds germinate, then switch to the drip system.
Growing Tips:
You can extend the planting and transplanting schedules and be prepared for crazy temperature swings by using hoop tunnels and garden fabric.
Provide compost when planting and liquid fish or seaweed plant food or a plant food that is higher in nitrogen once a month or as needed.
Keep arugula seedlings and plants moist but not soggy by using a drip system.
Since arugula is part of the Brassica Family, it may be attacked by slugs so I use Sluggo Plus to get rid of them.
Also, I secure mosquito netting over my hoop tunnels to keep out the cabbage moths and other pests. Don’t forget that rabbits love greens too!
Since arugula loves cooler weather and the roots are shallow, you may want to use a shade cloth over hoops in the afternoon and use some leaf mulch.
