Arugula
Arugula is a fall-seeded, overwintering Brassica. It is useful for suppressing weeds and minimizing surface compaction. Arugula provides less ground cover but more biofumigation potenial than turnips or rape. The glucosinolates in Brassicas are the compounds responsible for disease suppression.
Land Preparation
Smooth seedbed free of weeds and well-drained. Must contain sufficient moisture.
Seeding Rate
Drill 2-4 lb/ac, 1/4-1/2 inch deep. Broadcast. Seed can be no-tilled into suppressed sod or seeded into a conventionally prepared seedbed. When using conventional tillage, control the first flush of weeds before seeding to ensure a weed-free seedbed. Roll after seeding to improve seed-to-soil contact but do not break up aggregates.
Seed Cost
2007 price: $7.00/lb
Seeding Dates
August.
Time Until Control
Over winters in milder parts of NY
Seed Suppliers
Rupp Seeds.
Management Tricks
Avoid wet ground, Roll to ensure good seed to soil contact.
Unavoidable Problems
Attracts flea beetles. This is usually not a problem in the Fall.
Avoidable Problems
Avoid rotations with Brassica vegetable crops.
Classic Uses
Overwintering biofumigant.
Maintenance
Avoid wet spots.
Control
Incorporate in the spring. For biofumigation, mow when the soil is warm but before seed set. Incorporate immediately and roll soil to seal the surface. Wait a minimum of 10 days to fit and plant.
Tips
Do not use in rotation with other Brassicas. Brassicas can be magnets for flea beetles. Arugula is reported to reduce the populations of Northern root knot nematodes on tomatoes.
| Management Goal | Planting Time |
|---|---|
| Reduce Root Rot | Late Summer |
| Suppress Nematodes | Late Summer |
| Winter Erosion Protection | Late Summer |