Soil requirements
- It is not a heavy feeder. Compost-rich mix is plenty.
Watering
- Keep the surface evenly moist for tender leaves.
Sunlight
Spring and fall sun. Summer arugula wants shade cloth or a north-side strip.
Planting
- Broadcast or sow in a band every 1–2 weeks in cool weather.
- Cut-and-come-again once or twice, then resow.
Spacing
- 2–4 inches. Treat it like a salad mix, not a heading crop.
Common problems
Flea beetles
Shot-holes. Row cover right after sowing.
Bolting
Heat. Pull and sow chard or beans.
Helpful tools
- Row cover
- Scissors
Product links will be added when independently researched. See the garden tools hub for buying criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my arugula so spicy?
Heat, drought, and older leaves. Harvest smaller and water more evenly in warm spells.