Rocket Salad

Preparing the Soil

• Rocket thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Adjust the soil pH if necessary using lime to increase pH or sulphur to lower pH.
• Choose a Location of full sunlight to partial shade is ideal.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of about 30 cm. Incorporate well-composted organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Sowing Seeds

• Directly sow seeds in rows or scatter them in a bed.
• Space seeds about 10 cm apart and cover lightly with soil.
• Water gently after sowing to ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Care and Maintenance

 Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
• Rocket grows best with regular watering.

 Thinning:

• If seedlings are crowded, thin them to about 10 cm apart to allow for good air circulation and growth.

 Fertilising:

• Use a balanced fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season to promote lush growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Rocket can be susceptible to pests like aphids and cabbage white butterflies. Here are some management strategies:

Companion Planting:

• Planting alongside carrots, onions, or garlic can deter pests.

 Natural Predators:

• Encourage ladybugs and lacewings in your garden to control aphids.

 Netting:

• Use insect netting to protect plants from larger pests like butterflies.

Harvesting

Timing:

• Rocket leaves can be harvested 3 to 4 weeks after sowing, once they reach about 10 cm in height.

Method:

Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

If allowed to flower, rocket will become bitter.

Companion Planting

Companion planting can enhance the growth of rocket and protect it from pests. Here are some beneficial companions:

Carrots:

• Help to aerate the soil and do not compete for nutrients.

 Onions and Garlic:

• Their strong scent deters aphids and other pests.

 Basil:

• Can improve rocket’s growth and flavour.

  Avoid planting rocket near members of the cabbage family (e.g., kale, broccoli), as they can compete for nutrients and attract the same pests.