Arugula is a very healthy salad with a specific, slightly pungent taste. You can buy these vegetables in stores at any time of the year, but you don’t have to. We will advise you on how to grow arugula at home so that you have it fresh on hand every day. You just need a windowsill, a flower pot and a little attention.
Arugula has won many fans in our country. Its spicy, slightly nutty taste goes well with salads, sandwiches, pasta or pizza. You don’t have to run to the store for it, it will be tastier and healthier when grown at home.
Arugula is good for you
Arugula is a tasty and healthy plant from the cabbage family that provides many valuable nutrients. It is rich in vitamins K, C and A, supports bone health, immunity and good condition of the skin and eyes. It also contains folic acid, calcium, magnesium and iron, which are essential 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, it supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, and the potassium it contains has a beneficial effect on blood pressure, supporting the heart and circulatory system. Carotenoids contained in arugula, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation.
How to grow arugula at home step by step?
Growing arugula at home is very easy and does not require much time or space. Prepare a pot or container with a depth of 10 cm and make sure it has drainage holes. Also, make sure you have fertile, well-draining soil, preferably one designed for herbs and vegetables, and gardening seeds. We will explain step by step how to grow arugula at home.
Site preparation
Choose a place with sufficient access to daylight – preferably on the window sill facing south or east.
Soil and sowing seeds
Fill the container with fertile, well-drained soil. Level the surface of the soil and then sow the seeds evenly, keeping a small distance between them (about 2-3 cm). Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about 0.5 cm) and water gently.
Watering and care
Arugula likes slightly moist soil, so water it regularly, but do not soak it. Water should drain freely through the drainage holes. Keep the soil moist but do not allow it to dry out excessively.
Ensuring 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 leaves have constant access to light.
Germination and growth
Arugula seeds germinate quickly – usually within 4-7 days. When the plants reach a height of about 5 cm, you can gently thin them, leaving the strongest seedlings about 5 cm apart.
Collection
Arugula grows very quickly – the first leaves can be harvested approximately 3-4 weeks after sowing. Cut off the outer leaves with scissors, leaving the center of the plant to allow it to grow further.
Additional sowings
If you want to keep arugula fresh, sow successive 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 a side dish to a variety of meals.
Sowing dill for an early harvest. Prepare the soil and choose frost-resistant varieties