Vol. 117 (2004): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Growing and marketing arugula at local green markets in Southeast Florida

Kenneth D. Shuler
Stephen’s Produce

Published 2004-12-01

Keywords

  • eruca vesicaria,
  • compost,
  • farmers' market,
  • garden

Abstract

Stephen's Produce began in 1995 as a 0.03 acre market garden to supply the Jupiter Farms Green Market with a Saturday supply of "garden fresh" produce. The garden was expanded each year. In 2003-2004, 0.35 acres were under cultivation and clientele were being served at two weekend green markets. Arugula was one of the 26 crops grown and has been included in the crop mix for the past four seasons. Planting schedules, growing and harvesting methods, yields, and sales figures will be discussed. For the 2003-2004 season, 31 plantings were made for the 32 week sales season which began 18 Oct and concluded 22 May. The crop averaged 44 days to harvest. Arugula was mostly cut and packed unwashed in zip lock storage bags containing 120 g net (4.23 oz) and sold for $2.50 per bag or two bags for $4.00. An average of 55 bags was sold each week for $114 or $1,425 per acre per day of growth.