Why Arugula is Perfect for Preppers
This peppery little green isn’t just a salad staple; it’s also a powerhouse for your prepper garden. Arugula’s fast-growing, packed with nutrients, and has the kind of flavor that can turn a simple dish into something extraordinary. Plus, it's super easy to grow. Let’s dive into why arugula should be on your prepper radar.
Arugula has everything you need for a prepper-friendly plant.
Here’s why you should grow it:
➡ Fast and Easy to Grow: Arugula grows quickly—within 3-4 weeks from seed to harvest. If you’re looking for fast food in the garden, this is your go-to. It's a cool-season crop, so it thrives in the spring and fall, making it ideal for prepping in all seasons.
➡ Nutrient-Rich: Arugula is full of vitamins A, C, K, and folate, and is rich in antioxidants. It's a fantastic source of calcium and iron too, so if you want to pack some extra nutrition into your meals, arugula is a great choice.
➡ Self-Seeding: Arugula is perfect for a lazy gardener (or a prepper who wants less work). It self-seeds, meaning it can come back year after year without you having to replant. And if you let some of the plants go to seed, you’ll have an endless supply of fresh greens.
➡ Versatile: You can eat arugula raw in salads, toss it into a sandwich, use it as a garnish, or even cook it in soups and stews. And if you're into pesto, arugula’s a great substitute for basil. Let’s just say, arugula knows how to show up at the dinner table.
How to Grow Arugula: A Quick Guide
Arugula is about as low-maintenance as it gets. Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a Good Spot
Arugula loves cooler weather, so pick a spot that gets partial sun (around 4-6 hours of sunlight per day). The soil should be well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). If you’re planting it in warmer weather, try to grow it in a spot where it’ll get some afternoon shade.
2. Planting Arugula
Direct Seeding: Arugula doesn’t like to be transplanted, so it’s best to plant seeds directly into the ground or raised beds. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them 1 inch apart. After germination, thin them out to about 6 inches apart to give the plants room to grow.
Timing: Arugula grows best in cool weather, so plant it in early spring or late fall. If you’re in a warmer climate, you can still grow it in the winter, but make sure to protect it from the hottest months.
3. Watering and Mulching
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Arugula prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the germination stage. A layer of mulch around the plants will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool, which is key for growing healthy greens.
Care and Maintenance for Your Arugula
Arugula is super easygoing, but here’s how to keep it happy:
1. Fertilizing
Arugula doesn’t need heavy fertilization, but adding some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting will help. If the leaves start to look yellow or weak, a little organic fertilizer won’t hurt. Just be careful not to overdo it.
2. Pruning
Keep your arugula plants healthy by regularly harvesting the outer leaves. This will promote fresh growth and keep the plant from flowering too early. Once the plant starts to flower, the leaves can become bitter, so it’s best to harvest before that happens.
3. Pest Control
Arugula is pretty pest-resistant, but aphids, flea beetles, and caterpillars might try to munch on your leaves. Companion planting with garlic or herbs like basil can help deter pests. You can also rinse your leaves off gently with a water hose to dislodge pests.
Harvesting Arugula: When and How
You can start harvesting arugula as soon as the leaves are big enough to eat—usually 3-4 weeks after sowing. Here’s how:
When to Harvest: You can begin harvesting once the leaves are around 3-4 inches long. You can either harvest individual leaves or cut the whole plant at the base for a bigger harvest. If you cut the leaves, they’ll continue to grow, so you’ll get multiple harvests.
How to Harvest: Use scissors or garden shears to snip off the leaves. Don’t pull the plant up by the roots, as this will prevent it from producing more leaves.
Storing Arugula: Fresh and Preserved
Once you’ve got a harvest, it’s time to think about storage. Arugula is best used fresh, but if you have a lot, here’s how to preserve it:
1. Refrigeration
Arugula keeps for about a week in the fridge. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag or container. If you’re planning to store it for longer, you can freeze it, though it may lose some texture after thawing.
2. Freezing
If you have a ton of arugula, blanch the leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water. After cooling, drain the leaves, pat them dry, and freeze in airtight bags. It’ll last for about 3-6 months in the freezer.
3. Preserving in Oil
You can also preserve arugula by making arugula pesto and storing it in the fridge or freezer. Use olive oil, garlic, and nuts to make a delicious pesto that’ll keep for a few weeks in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Why Arugula is Essential for Preppers
Arugula may be a small green, but it’s packed with everything you need to stay healthy and thrive in your prepper garden. It grows fast, needs little care, and offers nutritional benefits that are hard to beat. Plus, it’s self-seeding, which means it’ll keep coming back year after year.
Whether you’re tossing it into a salad, adding it to a sandwich, or making a big batch of arugula pesto to stash in the freezer, this leafy green is a prepper’s dream. It’s hardy, versatile, and a true garden superstar.
