Select an area of your garden in full sun to part shade for planting. Arugula prefers to grow in rich soil so add 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) of compost to the garden before planting.

Direct sow seeds in your garden 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date when the temperatures are consistently staying at 40F (4C). Plantings can be done 8 to 12 weeks before your last frost date if you use a cold frame.

Plant seeds 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) deep and 1 inch apart with rows 4 inches (10.16 cm) apart for garden beds or for traditional rows space them 10 inches (25.4 cm) apart. Germination will happen in 2 to 8 days depending on the weather conditions.

Once the plants have 2-3 sets of leaves on them thin them to being 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) apart.

Don’t let arugula dry out, provide 1 inch (2.54 cm) of water each week and mulch to help keep the soil consistently moist and to reduce weeds.

Start harvesting the outer leaves when the plants are just 2-3 weeks old. Picking 1/3 of the utter leaves while leaving the smaller ones to grow will give you a longer harvest.

If you see any signs of bolting then harvest the entire plant.