Arugula, commonly known as rocket, is a delightful leafy green that adds a peppery flavor to salads and various dishes. This fast-growing plant is particularly well-suited for container gardening. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious patio, cultivating this nutritious green in pots can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Important factors to consider

Choose a grow bag that is at least 12 inches wide to allow for a healthy number of arugula plants.

Look for bags with sturdy handles for easy transportation to catch the sun. It’s a good idea to place a tray under the bags if they’re on a patio to prevent water stains.

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Here is a suggested product to consider for a patio garden:

Gardzen 10-Pack

These bags are made in high-quality non-woven fabric, they’re breathable and washable for repeated use. Their innovative design promotes excellent drainage and aeration, contributing to vigorous arugula growth.

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Aspect	Details
Soil Depth	Choose a grow bag that is at least 8 to 10 inches deep to allow adequate room for the arugula roots.
Watering Needs	Arugula prefers consistently moist soil, so be sure to water regularly without letting it become waterlogged.
Best Planting Time	You can plant arugula in early spring or fall for a continuous harvest. It’s quick growing and can be harvested as soon as it’s about 4-6 inches tall.
Spacing Recommendations	To ensure healthy growth, space the seeds about 1 inch apart within the grow bag.

Alternatives for a container garden

Fabric

If you want to give your arugula the best chance to thrive, consider using fabric grow bags. These breathable bags promote excellent drainage and air circulation, significantly reducing the risk of overwatering. The fabric allows the roots to breathe, contributing to healthier growth.

Plastic

Plastic pots offer convenience and moisture retention, but they require careful monitoring of drainage. Make sure they have plenty of holes to prevent soggy soil.

Recycled

Repurposing containers like buckets or old pots can be a sustainable gardening practice. Just remember to ensure proper drainage by adding holes, creating a cozy home for your arugula plants.

Choose a container that provides enough depth for healthy roots while being mindful of your arugula’s growing conditions for a successful patio garden!

The Importance of Sun Light

Once your arugula seeds are sown, they thrive in bright, direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day. This essential light promotes photosynthesis, leading to robust growth.

A south-facing patio or balcony is ideal for growing arugula. This location offers plenty of sunlight and ensures vibrant, healthy plants.

If your plants are growing in a shaded area, consider relocating them to a sunnier spot or using reflective surfaces to enhance light exposure. Watch for signs of insufficient light, such as leggy growth.

The Best Soil Mix

I recommend using a blend of potting soil and compost for optimal arugula growth. This mix provides essential nutrients while improving soil structure, encouraging strong root development.

You can also create rich compost right from your kitchen scraps! This article offers a smart solution:

Create soil the easy way from food scraps with Lomi

Arugula grows best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

If you don’t have the resources to create your own compost, you can easily purchase premixed soil from your local garden center or online.

For a premium handmade compost mix I recommend to use the Soil Sunrise blend with composted mushroom.

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The Soil Sunrise All-Purpose Compost Blend is a premium mix designed to improve soil quality and plant health.

The ingredients are mushroom compost, worm castings, coco coir, and rice hulls.

Planting

Once your soil mix is ready, start planting your arugula seeds. Sow the seeds about 1 inch apart and cover them lightly with soil.

Remember to always keep the soil moist to support sprouting.

After planting, water the soil thoroughly. Keep it consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.

Care

• Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting and maintain moisture during the growing season.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy leaf growth.
• Pest Management: Be vigilant for common pests such as aphids and treat them promptly with organic solutions to keep your arugula healthy.

Fertilezer

10-10-10 fertilizer is a powerhouse blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen fuels lush, green foliage; phosphorus strengthens roots and blooms; while potassium boosts the plant’s vitality and resilience. This balanced mix ensures robust growth and thriving plants.

Check latest prices for the Triple 10 fertilizer on Amazon

Harvesting 

Arugula is usually ready to harvest just a few weeks after planting. You can begin to harvest the leaves when they reach about 4-6 inches tall.

Simply cut the leaves off at the base with scissors, leaving the plant intact so it can continue to grow.

Storing 

Method	Description
Refrigeration	Store harvested arugula in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing	For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze arugula to preserve its freshness.

Pros and Cons of Growing Arugula in Containers

Pros	Cons
Easy to manage and maintain	Limited space may restrict the number of plants
Control over soil quality	Containers can dry out quickly, requiring more frequent watering
Ideal for small patios and balconies	Potential for overheating in direct sunlight
Flexibility in placement	May need to be moved for better light exposure

Q&A

How can I tell if my plants is getting enough sunlight?

If your arugula leaves boast a vibrant green hue and thrive, they’re basking in enough sunlight. But if they start stretching or looking leggy, it’s a cry for more light. Ensure they soak up at least 6 hours of direct sun daily—relocate them to a sunnier spot if needed!

What should I do if they starts to bolt?

Bolting strikes when plants flower prematurely, often triggered by heat stress or lack of water. To ward it off, keep your plants well-watered and offer shade during peak sun hours. If bolting happens, you can still harvest the leaves—just expect a touch more bitterness.

Can I grow arugula alongside other plants in the same container?

Absolutely, grow them with companions like carrots and radishes. These allies optimize space and fend off pests. Keep an eye on their growth to prevent competition for nutrients and room.

What are some common pests to watch out for?

Arugula’s worst enemies, aphids and flea beetles, lurk in your garden. Keep a vigilant eye on your plants and combat these pests with organic weapons like insecticidal soap or neem oil for a thriving harvest.

How often should I fertilize?

Boost your plants’ growth with regular doses of balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Opt for organic choices like fish emulsion or seaweed extract to enrich nutrients naturally and avoid harsh chemicals.

Growing arugula in containers is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, flavorful greens right at home. With the right container, soil, and care, you can cultivate this nutritious plant successfully, even in limited spaces. Remember to monitor your plants regularly, adjust care as needed, and enjoy the process of gardening. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, arugula is a rewarding choice that can enhance your culinary creations.