How to Grow Arugula in the Garden

If you can't locate arugula in your grocery store or at your local farmer's market, it's time to start growing your own. As a member of the mustard family, arugula is a resilient plant that can endure near-neglect, though it does benefit from specific conditions. Growing arugula is easier than you think, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac:

"Rocket" is a tasty green that can be picked in the summer, fall, and even winter. The ideal growing conditions for a crop are six hours of sunlight and slightly acidic, well-drained soil. The first and last plantings of the year may withstand temperatures as low as 40°F, and the first arugula cutting is ready to harvest six to eight weeks after seeding. Since each seed only needs to be 1-inch apart, arugula can grow densely packed with other salad greens.

Once the leaves reach 3 to 4 inches long, congratulations: You've grown baby arugula. Harvesting the plant rosette's outer leaves encourages further growth and provides you with fresh food. Arugula can also be grown inside, according to the gardening site the Spruce, which recommends continuous watering.