Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, watering weekly, about 1 inch per week. During dry spells, ensure even moisture to encourage tender growth.
• Weeding and Mulching: Keep the planting area weed-free and apply mulch to retain moisture and control weed growth.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer if soil quality is poor; arugula benefits from regular nitrogen to support leafy growth.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Use floating row covers to protect young plants from flea beetles, a common pest.
• Diseases: Practice crop rotation and sanitation to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting Tips

• Young Leaves: Harvest at 2-3 inches for the best flavor; ideal for salads and garnishes.
• Full Size Leaves: Pick outer leaves when 6 inches tall, or cut the entire plant just above the crown for regrowth.
• Flowering: Stop harvesting once the plant flowers, as leaves can become bitter. However, edible flowers can be added to salads for a spicy kick.