Growing Arugula in a Container

Do you love arugula as much as I do? It is so easy to grow in a container, year-round here in SoCal. The bounty above is just before my first harvest this week, 28 days after planting the seed.

It’s easy. You just need a 10-12 inch terra cotta container and high quality organic potting soil. I use a mix of half potting soil and half of my own compost, but potting mix will do. I usually plant ‘Rocket’ and Seeds from Italy offers a packet of 6000 seeds for $3.50. The seeds last a couple of seasons and I have plenty to share with others eager to try growing arugula.

Add water to the container before planting then scatter the seed. Sift potting soil over the top with whatever you have on hand. Then pat down the soil for good seed to soil contact. I like to mist the surface with a spray bottle then set it aside in cool shade. Keep the soil surface from drying by misting once or twice daily.

Usually, the seeds are up in 3-4 days.

Here’s the arugula at day 10.

On day 28 I harvested enough for my dinner—a summer favorite made with Trader Joe’s (summer only) Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli. I usually buy some extras to keep in the freezer.

My take on Trader Joe’s Lemon Ricotta Ravioli Salad.

Typically, I get three, maybe four harvests of arugula. After the second, I fertilize with a liquid seaweed-fish emulsion. If I’m on it, I remember to plant my next container of arugula when I make my first cutting. Give it a go—it’s easy for a porch or patio with half day sun.