Trying to find more information on growing arugula? Many other gardeners use fertilizer to give their gardens the necessary nutrients to grow.
If you’ve decided to grow some delicious arugula of your own, you might be wondering if arugula needs fertilizer, too. In this post, you’ll find out all about what arugula needs to grow healthily in your personal garden.
Quick Answer: Does Arugula Need Fertilizer?
No, arugula typically doesn’t need fertilizer. Like other leafy plants, though, it can still benefit from fertilizer, and it may be a must if the soil you have isn’t fertile on its own.
Read Also: Where Does Arugula Come From?
Soil Requirements for Arugula
What is the ideal soil for growing arugula? To start with, its pH levels should be anywhere between 6.0 and 7.0.
It can grow in pretty much anything fitting within that range, but flourishes in compost. Rotted leaves and compost should be worked into the first three inches of the soil if that’s what you’re using.
You Might Also Like: Does Arugula Like Full Sun?
The soil should also be exceptional at draining. Arugula likes moisture, but it shouldn’t sit in stagnant puddles or soggy soil for long.
If you’re growing it in a planter, make sure to choose one with drainage holes in the bottom. You can also line the bottom with pebbles or gravel to promote proper drainage.
Also Read: Does Arugula Regrow After Cutting?
An Overview of How to Plant and Grow Arugula
Growing arugula is pretty easy. Once you’ve got the proper growing conditions described in the previous sections, the setup is simple.
The seeds can be broadcasted or planted in rows. Regardless of which you choose, each seed should be planted around half an inch deep in the soil.
Related Article: Does Arugula Have a Smell?
There should be at least one inch in between each seed. As they grow, thin them so that there’s six inches or more in between the plants.
You Might Also Like: Does Arugula Need to be Cooked?
It’s possible to start planting arugula as soon as frosts are finished. Arugula is an extremely tough plant, which makes it a great choice for beginning gardeners. Because of its toughness, it can even withstand some frosts and can be grown in greenhouses during the winter.
Watch out for worms and caterpillars, as this plant is vulnerable to both. It used to be called “erusca,” which is the Latin word for caterpillar, for that reason.
Related Article: Does Arugula Need Fertilizer?
It’s also susceptible to downy mildew and bacterial leaf spot, so keep an eye on your arugula for these conditions. Downy mildew starts off looking as dark spots on the leaves. Bacterial leaf spot forms in large, brownish splotches that look almost as if the leaves were partially burnt.
Read Also: Is Arugula Rucola?
Wrap Up
Although arugula can benefit from fertilizer, especially if the soil mixture you’ve chosen is infertile, it doesn’t usually require fertilizer. In fact, this delectable salad green is so tough, in can easily grow in a wide range of conditions.
If you’re an inexperienced gardener looking to start with easy plants, this is one we think you shouldn’t miss out on growing at home.
You Might Also Like: Does Arugula Wilt Like Spinach?
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
