When I was young – though I still consider myself fairly young – my mom grew a lush, vibrant garden in our backyard. I would help her pick vegetables once or twice a year, but arugula harvests were a completely different story; we gathered those greens much more frequently.
I was curious why this was the case until one day, she explained that arugula actually thrives when it’s picked regularly. Oh man, what a revelation it was!
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of harvesting arugula and how to do it like a pro. By following these tips, you’ll secure a continuous supply of fresh greens all season long!
Let’s get started!
Tip 1: Cut The Right Way
Many new gardeners who grow arugula make the mistake of yanking leaves out with force. This aggressive pull not only damages the remaining leaves but also adversely affects future leaf development and long-term plant growth.
Instead of aggressively yanking the leaves, simply use a sharp pair of scissors to cut them at the base.
Yes, it might take a little longer this way but you’ll also be significantly reducing the risk of causing permanent damage to your arugula plant, which definitely makes the extra effort worth it.
Tip 2: Harvest When The Time Is Right
Making sure you get the timing right is not only important for obtaining palatable leaf flavor and texture but also for minimizing chances of bolting.
There shouldn’t be any experimentation when it comes to timing harvests; you should know when to get in and get out before it’s too late.
Typically, arugula leaves should be harvested young, while they are still tender and have a vibrant green color to them. Many gardeners like to taste a leaf or two before harvesting to ensure the timing is right. The leaf should have a sour, peppery flavor without the interference of bitterness.
Tip 3: Know When To Give Your Arugula A Break
Wait, didn’t I just say harvesting your arugula consistently can help it thrive?Well, yes, I did! But, only to a certain extent.
You see, every time you harvest and cut off arugula leaves, there’s still a teeny tiny level of damage the plant takes no matter what.
If that damage accumulates to a concerningly high degree, your arugula plant can wilt and begin to appear pale. This is why it’s important to know when to stop and give the plant a break.
Tip 4: Take Season & Weather Into Consideration
Seasonal changes and transitions play a major role in determining the quality and flavor of your arugula harvest.
- Spring harvest will generally give you milder, tender, and more enjoyable leaves;
- Mid-summer harvest can carry a bitter taste.
Now, it obviously depends on how you like your arugula, but for most people, a mid-spring or fall harvest would be ideal and the most “optimal” tasting.
If you live in a hotter region where the climate is very warm, consider planting your arugula in some shade to ensure the leaves don’t turn out too bitter.
Tip 5: Pick Leaves Selectively
Now, what do I mean by this? Instead of cutting away whole plants, harvest individual leaves, starting with the outer, most mature leaves.
The leaves around the inner center of the arugula plant can continue to grow this way, allowing for a longer harvest season and better plant health.
Believe it or not, this strategy has actually been employed by vegetable gardeners for centuries, particularly for crops like spinach and arugula!
Final Words
By implementing these tips and strategies, you’ll be harvesting arugula like a pro in no time!
Simply learn to embrace the joy of regular harvesting and make a habit of incorporating that harvested arugula into your dishes in a way that encourages you to harvest more frequently.
Remember, arugula thrives when it’s picked regularly.