Arugula has gained many fans in our country. Its spicy, slightly nutty flavor goes perfectly with salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza. You don’t have to run to the store for it, home-grown food will be tastier and healthier.
Arugula is a tasty and healthy plant from the cabbage familywhich provides many valuable nutrients. It is rich in vitamins K, C and A, supporting bone health, immunity and good skin and eye condition. It also contains folic acid, calcium, magnesium and iron, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Arugula is a source of antioxidants that reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Thanks to its high fiber content supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and the potassium present in it has a positive effect on blood pressure, supporting the heart and circulatory system. Carotenoids contained in arugula, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, protect the eyes against harmful UV radiation.
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Growing arugula at home is very simple and does not require much time or space. Prepare a pot or container 10 cm deep and make sure it has drainage holes. Also, make sure you have fertile, permeable soil, preferably one for herbs and vegetables, and seeds from a garden store. We explain step by step how to grow arugula at home:
- Preparation of the stand
Choose a place with plenty of access to daylight – preferably a window sill facing south or east.
Fill the container with fertile, well-drained soil. Level the soil surface and then sow the seeds evenly, leaving a small distance between them (approx. 2-3 cm). Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about 0.5 cm) and water gently.
- Watering and care
Arugula likes moderately moist soil, so water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Water should drain freely through the drainage holes. Keep the soil moist, but do not allow it to dry out too much.
- Providing adequate lighting
Arugula needs at least 4-6 hours of light a day. If you have limited access to daylight, you can use a lamp to illuminate the plants. Also rotate the pots so that all the leaves have constant access to light.
Arugula seeds germinate quickly – usually within 4-7 days. Once the plants are about 5 cm tall, you can thin them out slightly, leaving the strongest seedlings about 5 cm apart.
Arugula grows very quickly – the first leaves can be harvested about 3-4 weeks after sowing. Cut off the outer leaves with scissors, leaving the center of the plant to allow it to continue to grow.
To have fresh arugula all the time, sow new batches of seeds every 2-3 weeks.
Growing arugula at home is a great way to have constant access to fresh, healthy leaves that you can use in salads, sandwiches or as an addition to various dishes.
