Arugula is a delicious and nutritious leafy green vegetable that is a popular choice for home gardeners. To ensure that your arugula plants thrive and produce the best possible yields, it’s important to pay close attention to their watering needs.
As a whole, watering arugula can be a bit of a balancing act. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little water can cause the leaves to wilt and yellow. By paying attention to the signs of over- and under-watering and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your arugula stays healthy and thriving.
In the following, you will find information on the watering requirements of an arugula plant, as well as signs of over- and under-watering in order to find the perfect balance.
Arugula Watering Requirements
Arugula requires regular watering to stay healthy and productive. The amount of water needed will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of soil you have, the climate in your area (humidity, amount of rain, amount of sun, temperature, etc.), and the size of your plants. In general, arugula needs about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.
To determine whether your arugula needs water, you can use the finger test. Simply stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. However, if the soil feels moist, you can wait a day or two before checking again.
How Often to Water Arugula
In general, arugula should be watered about once a week, but this can vary depending on your growing conditions. If you live in a hot, dry climate, or if you have sandy soil that drains quickly, you may need to water your arugula more frequently. On the other hand, if you have heavy soil that retains moisture, or if you live in a cooler, wetter climate, you may need to water less often.
To prevent over- or under-watering your arugula, it’s important to monitor your plants regularly and adjust your watering frequency as needed. If your arugula starts to look wilted or shows signs of stress, such as yellowing or browning leaves, it may be a sign that it’s not getting enough water. On the other hand, if your arugula leaves start to curl or become mushy, it may be a sign of over-watering.
Signs of Over- or Under-Watering
One of the biggest challenges in growing arugula is finding the right balance when it comes to watering. Under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow while over-watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of over- and under-watering to make adjustments as needed.
Signs of Under-Watering
When arugula is not getting enough water, the leaves will become limp and start to wilt. The plant may also begin to yellow, and the leaves may become dry and crispy to the touch. In severe cases, the plant may even die.
Signs of Over-Watering
Over-watering is just as harmful as under-watering, if not more so. When arugula is getting too much water, the leaves will start to turn yellow and become soft and mushy. The plant may also start to develop a foul odor and show signs of root rot.
Advanced Tips for Watering Arugula
If you’re struggling to find the right balance when it comes to watering your arugula, there are several advanced tips and techniques that can help.
Improve Water Retention in Soil
One of the best ways to prevent under-watering is to improve the water retention of your soil. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss to your soil can help it hold onto water better, ensuring that your plants have access to moisture even during dry spells.
Maximize Water Absorption by Arugula
To ensure that your arugula is absorbing as much water as possible, try watering it early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not as strong. This will help prevent evaporation and allow the water to be absorbed more effectively.
Watering During Different Stages of Growth
It’s important to adjust your watering schedule based on the growth stage of your arugula. During the seedling stage, for example, you’ll want to water more frequently to ensure that the soil stays moist. As the plants mature, you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering.
