Plant arugula in August, and watch it thrive in cool weather

Arugula is an ancient vegetable – people have farmed it since the 6th century and it is mentioned in the Bible – that has become trendy in the past 30 years or so.

It’s easy to see why. The leafy crop – related to cabbage, kale and radishes – has many vitamins and antioxidants and provides bulk so it is filling yet low in calories.

Also, it is a vegetable you can plant anytime in August and get a crop before the end of the growing season. It prefers cool weather, and does well only if planted early in the spring or late in the season.

It helps to water and cool the soil a few days before planting. Arugula wants full sun. Add a bit of compost and/or fertilizer. Plant the seeds about a quarter of an inch deep and 1 inch apart. Later on, as the plants get larger, thin them out to about 6 inches apart – and by thinning, I mean bringing them inside to use in your late-summer salads.