Arugula Planting Dates New Mexico

Arugula is also known as rocket. It’s a leafy green full of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. This peppery green is popular in the kitchen and used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	March 1 – April 15, September 1 – November 15
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks during spring and fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature conditions

Planting Conditions

The mild climate allows for a longer growing season, making it ideal for arugula cultivation. It thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from consistent moisture. Understanding the best planting conditions ensures robust growth.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your crop the best chance to thrive from the very beginning. The most used type is the Astro variant, which is a vigorous, all-season, cut-and-come-again variety with long, silky leaves and nutty flavor.

You can find Astro Arugula Seeds on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4gTTIgT

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before transplanting outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide seedlings with necessary light to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

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Average First Frost Dates for New Mexico’s Major Cities

Plant arugula outdoors in New Mexico approximately 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn to ensure optimal growth and flavor.

City	Average First Frost Date
Albuquerque	October 15
Santa Fe	October 1
Las Cruces	October 28
Roswell	October 24
Farmington	September 30

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Greenhouse Growing

In warmer regions, utilizing a greenhouse can provide essential protection from intense heat and sunlight for arugula. This controlled environment allows for year-round cultivation and maintains a stable temperature, which is particularly beneficial during hotter months, helping extend the growing season considerably.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE can be found on Amazon for $999.00 right now.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal growth, supplementing arugula with fertilizer can produce abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer replenishes nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides:

Broccoli Planting in New Mexico

Kale Planting in New Mexico

Pumpkin Planting in New Mexico

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist, especially important in dry climates.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to reduce fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the first true leaves appear. Incorporate compost to enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Vigilant pest management is essential, especially in warmer regions.
• Use organic or integrated pest management methods to protect your plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach the desired size, typically 3-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest season.

In my garden, I try to plant arugula in both spring and fall for the best yields. It does best in cooler temperatures. If you do not have the time to start from seeds, you can find young plants at local nurseries.

If you’re unsure about when to harvest your arugula, look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves can also promote new growth and extend your harvest.

Furthermore, check for pests like aphids and manage them promptly. With proper care and attention, growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that adds a delicious touch to your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In cities like Santa Fe (Zone 7a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between March 1 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April to late April, allowing you to take advantage of the cool-weather growing season.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 15 to April 30, ensuring that the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 12 inches between rows to allow for ample growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. New Mexico’s dry climate can lead to quick evaporation, so monitor soil moisture frequently.
• Water at the base of plants to prevent leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal issues.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost during the growing season to enhance nutrient uptake.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for pests such as aphids and flea beetles. New Mexico’s climate can sometimes encourage these pests, so stay vigilant.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and crop rotation to minimize risks of pests and diseases damaging your arugula plants.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula when leaves are young and tender, typically around 30 days after sowing. Regular harvesting can encourage new growth and prolong your harvest season.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.