To me, gardening is about more than just sowing seeds; it’s about getting to know how different plants work together. I always use companion planting to enhance the health and output of my garden.
I find that selecting the best Arugula companion plants can do a lot of good in the garden.
What is Companion Planting?
Best Companion Plants For Arugula
Imagine having a garden where plants help each other grow. I’m here to make that happen with companion planting. I’ll guide you through the process, showing you which combinations have worked wonders for me.
-
Lettuce
I’ve found that planting arugula alongside lettuce has been a great companion for my lettuce plants. Arugula helps to deter pests that commonly attack lettuce, such as aphids and flea beetles. Additionally, the arugula’s deep roots help to improve soil structure and nutrient availability for the lettuce. Overall, I’ve noticed that my lettuce plants thrive when grown alongside arugula.
-
Spinach
Over the years, I have found that planting arugula with spinach has been incredibly beneficial. I have noticed that arugula helps to deter pests that commonly attack spinach, such as aphids and leaf miners. Additionally, the arugula’s deep root system helps to improve the soil structure, providing spinach with better access to nutrients and water. Lastly, the shade provided by the arugula leaves helps to protect the spinach from excessive sun exposure, preventing it from bolting too quickly. -
Radishes
I first learned about using radishes as a companion plant for arugula from an old farmer. I have found that planting radishes alongside my arugula helps to deter pests like aphids and flea beetles. Additionally, the radishes help to break up the soil, making it easier for the arugula to grow and absorb nutrients. Overall, I have had great success with this companion planting combination in my garden.
-
Cucumbers
Over time I figured out through trial and error that planting arugula alongside cucumbers is a great idea. Arugula helps to repel pests that can harm cucumbers, such as cucumber beetles. Additionally, arugula has shallow roots that won’t compete with cucumbers for nutrients and water. Lastly, arugula adds a spicy flavor to salads and sandwiches that pairs well with the refreshing taste of cucumbers.
-
Beans
This is a pretty common pairing – I’ve found that planting arugula near beans helps to repel pests that can damage the bean plants. I’ve also noticed that the arugula’s deep roots help to break up the soil, making it easier for the bean plants to access nutrients. Plus, the arugula’s shade can help protect the bean plants from the hot sun. I’ve had great success with this combination in my own garden.
-
Dill
This one comes from the book “Carrots love Tomatoes.” I’ve found that planting arugula alongside dill has been a great companion for my carrots. Arugula helps to repel pests that can harm carrots, while dill attracts beneficial insects that help with pollination. Plus, the combination of flavors in the garden is simply delicious!
-
Nasturtiums
This was a tip from a reader, but I have personally found that planting Nasturtiums by my Arugula has been incredibly beneficial. I’ve noticed that Nasturtiums attract aphids away from my Arugula, acting as a natural pest repellent. Additionally, the vibrant flowers of Nasturtiums add a beautiful touch to my Arugula patch, creating an aesthetically pleasing garden. Lastly, Nasturtiums also help improve the soil quality around my Arugula plants, as their roots release nutrients that benefit the growth of Arugula.
-
Marigolds
I’ve found that planting marigolds close to arugula has been incredibly beneficial. The marigolds act as a natural pest repellent, keeping harmful insects away from my arugula plants. Additionally, the vibrant colors of the marigolds add a beautiful touch to my garden, creating a visually appealing environment. Lastly, the marigolds also help improve the soil quality, providing essential nutrients for the arugula to thrive. -
Chives
Another tip is to plant chives alongside arugula. I have found that chives help to deter pests that can damage arugula, such as aphids and flea beetles. Additionally, chives attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help to control any pest populations that do appear. Lastly, chives have a strong scent that can mask the smell of arugula, making it less attractive to pests.
-
Cilantro
I’ve found that planting cilantro near arugula has been beneficial for both plants. The strong scent of cilantro helps to deter pests that may harm arugula, keeping it healthy and thriving. Additionally, cilantro attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help control any potential pest problems in the arugula patch.
What Not To Plant With Arugula
Just like there are plants that play well together, there are others that don’t get along. Here are some plants that you’re going to want to avoid putting into close proximity to each other. Most of these aren’t the end of the world if it happens, we only have so much garden space after all, but where it makes sense, keep these in mind.
-
Strawberries
I learned this the hard way – planting arugula next to strawberries can negatively impact the strawberries. The arugula can compete for nutrients and space, stunting the growth of the strawberries.
-
Pole beans
This one came from my neighbor, and I’ve noticed that the arugula negatively impacts the pole beans by overshadowing them and limiting their access to sunlight. Unfortunately, I don’t know why it negatively impacts the plant.
-
Wildflowers
This also came from Carrots Love Tomatoes. Arugula negatively impacts wildflowers because it competes for nutrients and space, potentially reducing the growth and survival of wildflowers.
-
Broccoli
Another one I’ve heard around is that arugula negatively impacts broccoli because it releases chemicals that can stunt the growth of broccoli plants.
-
Cauliflower
I’ve heard mixed things on this but arugula can negatively impact cauliflower by competing for nutrients in the soil. Additionally, arugula can release certain compounds that may inhibit the growth of cauliflower.
What Should You Plant Near Arugula
In addition to the list below, there are some common plants you likely already have in your garden that I thought you might want to know. These veggies make up much of my garden, so here is what you need to know about campion planting them with Arugula.
Lettuce and Arugula Companion Planting
Arugula is a good companion plant for lettuce in a vegetable garden. It helps to repel pests like aphids and flea beetles, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs. Additionally, arugula has shallow roots that won’t compete with lettuce for nutrients and water.
Carrots and Arugula Companion Planting
Yes, arugula is a good companion plant for carrots in a vegetable garden. It helps repel pests that can damage carrots and also improves the flavor of the carrots. Plus, both plants have similar growing conditions, making them a great pair in the garden.
Beans and Arugula Companion Planting
Arugula is a good companion plant for beans in a vegetable garden. It helps repel pests like aphids and bean beetles, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs. Additionally, arugula’s shallow root system doesn’t compete with beans for nutrients or water.
Tomatoes and Arugula Companion Planting
Yes, arugula is a good companion plant for tomatoes. It helps repel pests like nematodes and attracts beneficial insects. Plus, it doesn’t compete for nutrients with tomatoes, making it a great addition to your vegetable garden.
Cucumbers and Arugula Companion Planting
Arugula is a good companion plant for cucumbers in a vegetable garden. It helps repel pests like aphids and cucumber beetles, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs. Additionally, arugula’s shallow root system doesn’t compete with cucumbers for nutrients or water.
Zucchini and Arugula Companion Planting
Arugula is a good companion plant for zucchini in a vegetable garden. It helps repel pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs. Additionally, arugula’s shallow root system doesn’t compete with zucchini for nutrients or water.
Peppers and Arugula Companion Planting
Yes, arugula is a good companion plant for peppers in a vegetable garden. It helps repel pests that can damage pepper plants and also provides ground cover to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Plus, arugula’s shallow roots won’t compete with the peppers for nutrients.
Peas and Arugula Companion Planting
Arugula is a good companion plant for peas in a vegetable garden. It helps deter pests like aphids and flea beetles, while also providing shade to the peas’ roots. Additionally, arugula’s shallow root system doesn’t compete with the deeper roots of peas, making them a compatible pair.
Radishes and Arugula Companion Planting
Yes, arugula is a good companion plant for radishes in a vegetable garden. They both have similar growing conditions and arugula can help repel pests that may harm radishes. Plus, they can be harvested at different times, making efficient use of space in the garden.
Squash and Arugula Companion Planting
Arugula is a good companion plant for summer squash in a vegetable garden. It helps repel pests like aphids and cucumber beetles, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs. Additionally, arugula’s shallow root system doesn’t compete with the deeper roots of summer squash, making them compatible companions.
Onions and Arugula Companion Planting
Yes, arugula is a good companion plant for onions in a vegetable garden. It helps repel pests that can damage onions and also doesn’t compete for nutrients, making it a beneficial pairing for onion plants. Plus, arugula’s fast growth can help provide some shade for the onions during hot weather.
Tips For Companion Planting With Arugula
- Incorporate flowering plants among your Arugula can provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season to keep pollinators in your garden longer.
- Plant a few Arugula each week of your so you have some ready to harvest each week instead of all at once. This will make it so you can eat what is ready without going to waste or having too many at once.
- Plan your garden so that different plants bloom consecutively alongside Arugula, providing continuous attraction for beneficial insects and maintaining a balanced ecosystem throughout the growing season.
- When companion planting Arugula, pair tall plants that provide shade with lower-growing, shade-tolerant plants to make the most efficient use of space and light.
- Plant legumes such as peas and beans near plants that require a lot of nitrogen. Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for plants that are heavy feeders.
Your Turn!
- What have you learned about companion planting for Arugula?
Leave a Reply