Rocket : A peppery leaf growing all year in our garden
The rocket is growing so well here in our Ballarat Autumn garden. My attempt at growing rocket leaves from seed hasn’t always been successful, but this attempt has given us the best results yet. I have had many attempts at growing this lovely, peppery leaf, but by far these leaves are the biggest and loveliest, concluding that it pays to persevere. It is slowly going to flower, with it’s little white blooms attracting the bees. These gorgeous flowers are edible, so can be enjoyed in salads or as a garnish. The vibrant, green leaves are picked as we want them and taken inside into the kitchen, rinsed off and added to many culinary delights.
This quick growing salad leaf doesn’t take up much space in your vegetable patch
This veggie loves full sun or part shade and only needs a couple of square feet to keep you in supply! The seeds can be sown every 2-4 weeks, known as successional sowing. This will keep a never ending patch of rocket growing, fresh at your fingertips, for you to pick. Our rocket sits nicely in a corner of one of the raised beds, and I am spoilt for choice on which leaves to harvest. I prefer the large leaf variety of rocket, with soft rounded edges with leaves growing about 5cm wide and about 15cm long, which includes the stalk. We use it in so many different ways, that’s why we love growing it, for it’s flavour and versatility. It is also a perfect leaf to grow in boxes or pots. I sow the seeds failry close together but it also can be sown up to 20cm apart.
Harvest leaves regularly and enjoy the freshness from your garden
There’s nothing better than food from your back yard garden to your plate. Knowing the food has been grown by you and is free of pesticides and chemicals. Knowing it’s good for you, full of flavour and is pure and simple. You can harvest young or more mature leaves, depending on the dish you are preparing. Rocket goes so well in soups, risottos, pesto’s, salads and so much more. I highly recommend you add this to your patch. I also have wasabi rocket seeds available too if you really want to spice things up and give these a try, Happy gardening!