Arugula, Eruca vesicaria, is a leafy salad green in the Brassicaceae family that also includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Swiss chard.
It’s a self-seeding annual for Zones 3 to 11 that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. You may know arugula as “rocket” or “rucola,” and appreciate its zesty, peppery tang.
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In our guide to growing arugula we discuss all you need to know to cultivate it yourself.
This article zeroes in on recognizing and managing 15 common arugula insect pests.
Here’s the lineup:
15 Common Arugula PestsThe best defense against insect pests is cultivating healthy plants.
Start with quality seed or seedlings, and avoid under- and overwatering which can render your arugula vulnerable to attack.
Proactive measures to inhibit pest infestation include:
Purchasing quality seed and transplants from reputable purveyors. Rotating brassica crops to new locations every year. Growing your crop under floating row covers. Planting trap crops, such as radishes, around your arugula plants to draw pests away. Sowing companion plants, like flowering caraway, coneflowers, dill, fennel, sweet clover, and yarrow, to attract beneficial insects that feed on pests. Installing and filling songbird feeders to attract small birds to prey upon insect pests. Avoid attracting large birds because they may feed on the arugula plants. Clearing all garden debris and disposing of it at season’s end to inhibit nuisance insects from overwintering.When you notice pests early, it’s often possible to head off a full-blown infestation by a combination of handpicking
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