Arugula is an excellent choice for a survival garden! Not only is it easy to grow, but it's also packed with nutrients and offers a slightly spicy, peppery flavor that can enhance many meals. Arugula grows quickly, is rich in vitamins, and can thrive in various climates. Here's everything you need to know about growing arugula in your survival garden:
Why Arugula Is Perfect for a Survival Garden
1. Rich in Nutrients:
Vitamins and Minerals: Arugula is packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate. It's also high in calcium, iron, and magnesium, all of which are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and overall immunity.
Antioxidants: It contains compounds like glucosinolates, which have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
Low-Calorie and High in Fiber: Arugula is low in calories but high in fiber, making it a great addition to a survival diet. It helps you stay full without taking up too much room in your garden or pantry.
2. Quick to Grow:
Arugula is a fast-growing, cool-season crop. It can be harvested in as little as 3 to 4 weeks after planting, which makes it ideal for a quick food supply.
3. Easy to Grow:
Arugula is resilient, requiring little care and maintenance. It thrives in cooler weather but can also handle a bit of heat. It's also less prone to pests than some other leafy greens, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardening.
4. Versatile Uses:
Arugula can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, or as a topping for pizzas and pastas. Its peppery flavor adds a fresh kick to many dishes, making it a valuable component of your survival garden.
Types of Arugula to Grow
1. Wild Arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia):
Why: This variety has a stronger, more intense flavor than the common arugula. It's more heat-tolerant and can survive through the summer, making it a great option for year-round harvesting.
Best For: People who enjoy a bold, spicy flavor in their meals.
2. Common Arugula (Eruca sativa):
Why: This is the most common variety, with its mild peppery flavor. It is widely available and ideal for early spring and fall gardening.
Best For: A mild, versatile green that can be used in a wide range of dishes.
3. Baby Arugula:
Why: Baby arugula has tender, smaller leaves that are milder in flavor. It's great for fresh salads or as a garnish.
Best For: Quick, tender greens for fresh eating.
Planting and Growing Arugula
Where to Plant Arugula
Location: Arugula grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a little bit of shade, which is why it’s ideal for cooler seasons or garden spaces with some afternoon shading.
Soil: It prefers well-drained, fertile soil, slightly acidic to neutral in pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Adding compost to the soil will improve its texture and nutrient content.
Planting Arugula
When to Plant:
Arugula is a cool-season crop, so plant it in early spring or fall. It grows best in temperatures between 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C). If you live in a warm climate, consider planting arugula in early spring or fall, or provide some shade during the hotter summer months.
How to Plant Arugula:
Direct sow the seeds in the soil by scattering them over a prepared bed or lightly covering them with soil.
Space the seeds 1-2 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 4-6 inches apart when they’re a few inches tall to give them room to grow.
For container gardening, sow arugula seeds in a deep, well-draining container.
Care and Maintenance
1. Watering:
Arugula needs consistent moisture, especially in warm weather. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
2. Fertilizing:
Arugula doesn’t need heavy fertilization. If your soil is rich in organic matter, it will grow just fine. You can add compost or a balanced organic fertilizer to give it a boost during the growing season.
3. Thinning:
Thin seedlings early to ensure enough space for the plants to grow. Crowded plants will result in smaller leaves and reduced airflow, which can lead to disease.
4. Mulching:
Applying mulch around arugula will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool, especially in warmer weather.
Pest and Disease Management
Pests: Arugula can sometimes attract pests like aphids, flea beetles, and caterpillars. To protect your plants, use row covers or treat with organic insecticides like neem oil.
Diseases: Arugula is prone to downy mildew and powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and remove any affected leaves. Rotate crops to prevent disease buildup in the soil.
Harvesting Arugula
When to Harvest:
Baby arugula can be harvested in about 3-4 weeks from planting when the leaves are still young and tender.
For mature arugula, wait until the leaves are fully grown but still tender. Regular harvesting helps prevent the plant from flowering and becoming bitter.
How to Harvest:
You can cut individual leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant about 1-2 inches above the soil. New leaves will continue to grow from the base, allowing for multiple harvests from one plant.
Always harvest in the morning, when the leaves are fresh and crisp.
Storing Arugula
Fresh Storage:
Arugula is best eaten fresh, as its leaves don’t last long after harvest. Store it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container with a damp paper towel to keep it crisp for up to a week.
Freezing:
Freezing arugula is an option, but it loses some of its texture. To freeze, blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then cool them in ice water before freezing in airtight bags.
Why Arugula Is Vital for Survival Gardening
1. Rapid Growth: Arugula grows quickly, providing a fast source of food during a crisis. You can enjoy multiple harvests in a short period.
2. Nutrient-Dense: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, arugula boosts your immune system and overall health.
3. Versatile: Use it in fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, or as an herb in other dishes. It also pairs well with proteins, making it a good complement to beans, lentils, or meat dishes.
4. Space Efficient: Arugula can be grown in smaller spaces or containers, making it perfect for survival gardens with limited space.
Garden Tips
Succession Planting: To keep a steady supply of arugula, try planting it in stages. Sow new seeds every few weeks to stagger your harvest.
Companion Planting: Arugula grows well with beans, peas, onions, and carrots. It can help deter pests like aphids, making it a great companion for other garden plants.
Arugula is a fast-growing, nutritious green that provides both culinary and survival benefits. Whether used fresh or preserved, it adds flavor, nutrition, and versatility to your survival garden and meals.
This peppery leaf is a fantastic, easy-to-grow addition to your garden that can help keep you nourished during tough times!
