[gardengnome]

I'm new to allotment gardening, having started in January!

I've got rocket growing in a propagator at the moment and I'm about to transplant it.  I've heard you can plant rocket in between rows of other crops and I've got onion and garlic growing at the moment 30cm apart.  Can you plant rocket in between these or is it better in its own separate bed with enough space?

Thanks!

[mumofstig]

It does grow quite big if you leave it, but will be ok for a while if you eat it quickly as small leaves for early salads.
So it really depends on how you want to grow it.......

[gardengnome]

Thanks!  I guess I would be best giving it enough space to grow big then.

[Kristen]

Monty sowed some on top of his earthed up Potatoes - I was a bit sceptical as my Spuds are normally up and through the soil in about 3 weeks ... he was obviously expecting to take it as an early / young crop!

[TerryB]

First year growing rocket last year and put some in planters at home, as well as the plot, so we could just nip out and pick a few leafs for sandwiches etc.

Anyway the planters were left on the decking at the back of the house over winter and the rocket has reappeared.

Does it keep coming back and will it be OK (not go to seed quickly).

[mumofstig]

If you leave it to go to seed once you'll never have to buy it again

IMO rocket always runs to seed fairly quickly, I don't think you can do much to stop that 

[JayG]

IMO rocket always runs to seed fairly quickly, I don't think you can do much to stop that 

It does, and you can't, although removing the flowering shoots will help prolong leaf production for a while. 

The flowers are actually quite tasty (bit peppery with a sort of nutty flavour as well!)

[mumofstig]

I always think they taste too strong by the time they've reached that stage.......but that's just me 

[TerryB]

If you leave it to go to seed once you'll never have to buy it again

IMO rocket always runs to seed fairly quickly, I don't think you can do much to stop that 

I was Just surprised that the plant came back a second year. It doesn't look like its grown from last years seeds because only 2 have regrown in the same positions they were in last year. They were originally planted with some lettuce.

[Christo]

I always think they taste too strong by the time they've reached that stage.......but that's just me 

Agreed. When I was a youngster, my mum used to serve rocket salads (grown in the garden). I always hated them because they were so so bitter. I only realised a couple of years ago that the Rocket plants had gone to seed every year. Now I grow my own, and pick the leaves fairly young, and I love it.

I might go and see my mum later and offer a quick lesson in growing rocket, but I think I might get a little slap.