The Best Companion Planting for Arugula

Arugula, with its peppery flavor and vibrant green leaves, is a beloved addition to salads, sandwiches, and even pizzas. This leafy green is not only popular in culinary dishes but also a favorite among gardeners for its relatively easy cultivation. However, even the hardiest of plants can benefit from a little help from their neighbors.

Companion planting is a time-honored gardening technique that involves placing different plant species together in ways that benefit each other. This practice can enhance growth, improve flavor, deter pests, and even boost the overall health of your garden.

In this post, we will explore the benefits of companion planting for arugula, the best companion plants to grow alongside it, plants to avoid, and some essential tips for getting the most out of your companion planting strategy.

Why You Should Consider Companion Planting for Arugula

Companion planting is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a harmonious garden ecosystem that fosters healthy plant growth and deters pests naturally. For arugula, companion planting is particularly advantageous because it thrives in cool, moist conditions, and it’s often susceptible to pests such as aphids and flea beetles. By strategically choosing plants that help each other, you can increase your yields, reduce the need for harmful pesticides, and create a more sustainable garden.

Arugula’s growth can also be enhanced by companion planting because certain plants can help shade its delicate leaves from intense sun, provide natural pest control, or even improve the soil quality. Additionally, growing the right companions can improve soil biodiversity and foster beneficial relationships between plants, insects, and microorganisms. Overall, companion planting can help create a more resilient garden environment, where your arugula and its neighboring plants support one another for mutual benefit.

Best Companion Plants for Arugula

When selecting companion plants for arugula, it’s essential to consider factors such as growth habits, sunlight requirements, pest control, and soil enrichment. Here are some of the best companion plants for arugula:

Herbs:
- Basil: Basil is an excellent companion for arugula because it thrives in similar conditions and can help repel pests like aphids, flea beetles, and whiteflies. Additionally, the aromatic oils in basil may enhance the flavor of arugula and deter herbivores from munching on its leaves.
- Dill: Dill and arugula grow well together, and dill’s feathery fronds can provide some light shade, which can be beneficial for arugula in hot weather. Dill is also known for attracting beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, that prey on pests like aphids.
- Chives: Chives are another great option for arugula. Their strong scent can help repel pests like aphids and caterpillars. Moreover, chives share similar growing conditions, so they complement arugula’s needs in terms of watering, sunlight, and soil.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a fantastic companion for arugula due to their ability to attract beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory bugs. They also serve as a natural pest trap for aphids and flea beetles, which are known to target arugula. Furthermore, nasturtiums have edible flowers and leaves that are also tasty, offering an additional culinary benefit alongside their protective role.
Radishes: Radishes and arugula are known to have complementary growth habits. Radishes are quick-growing and help to loosen the soil with their roots, which improves soil aeration and drainage—ideal for arugula’s shallow root system. Additionally, the radish’s bulbous roots can act as a natural mulch, helping retain moisture for arugula during dry spells. As an added bonus, radishes and arugula share a similar pest profile, meaning that pests that attack one plant are unlikely to affect the other.
Carrots: Like radishes, carrots are root vegetables that help improve soil texture and aeration, providing arugula with a better growing environment. Carrots also do not compete heavily with arugula for nutrients or space, so they make excellent companions in tight spaces. Their deep roots do not interfere with arugula’s shallow roots, which means both can thrive in close quarters.
Marigolds: Marigolds are well known for their ability to repel a variety of garden pests. Their strong scent is particularly effective in deterring aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies, which are known to target leafy greens like arugula. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which prey on aphids and other pests. Growing marigolds near arugula can help keep pests at bay and improve the overall health of your plants.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Arugula

While companion planting can be very beneficial, it’s also crucial to be mindful of which plants can hinder the growth of arugula. Some plants may compete for resources, attract pests, or inhibit the growth of arugula through chemical release or root interference. Here are some plants to avoid planting near arugula:

Cruciferous Vegetables (Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, etc.): Arugula is part of the brassica family, and growing it near other cruciferous vegetables can lead to competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Additionally, brassicas attract pests like aphids, which can target arugula as well. The presence of brassicas can also encourage the spread of disease, such as clubroot, which may affect arugula and other plants in the brassica family.
Fennel: Fennel is a strong-smelling herb that can negatively affect the growth of many plants, including arugula. It exudes a chemical from its roots that can stunt the growth of nearby plants. Additionally, fennel can attract aphids and other pests that could target arugula, making it a less-than-ideal companion.
Spinach: While spinach shares similar growing requirements with arugula, planting them together can cause them to compete for nutrients. Both plants need plenty of nitrogen and water, and planting them in close proximity can lead to overcrowding, making it harder for both to thrive. Furthermore, both arugula and spinach are susceptible to similar pests and diseases, so planting them together may increase the risk of pest infestation.
Onions: While onions can help repel certain pests, they are not the best companion for arugula. Onions can have a negative impact on arugula’s growth, as their strong smell may deter pollinators and beneficial insects. Additionally, onions and arugula have similar nutrient requirements, which could lead to competition for resources in the soil.

Tips for Growing Companion Plants with Arugula

Choose Plants with Similar Growing Conditions: When selecting companion plants for arugula, make sure they share similar growing requirements in terms of sunlight, soil type, and water needs. Arugula thrives in cooler temperatures and moist, well-drained soil. Companion plants that require the same conditions will likely perform better when grown together.
Space Plants Appropriately: While companion plants can benefit one another, overcrowding can lead to competition for resources and poor growth. Be sure to space your plants adequately, especially when growing vegetables and herbs that can become bushy, such as basil or dill. Leave enough room for air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Rotate Crops: Companion planting can also be part of an effective crop rotation strategy. By changing the placement of your plants each season, you can reduce the buildup of pests and diseases that may accumulate in the soil. For example, if you grew arugula and radishes together one season, try planting them in different spots the following season to maintain soil health.
Use Mulch: Adding mulch around your plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable. Organic mulches like straw, leaves, or wood chips also improve soil fertility as they break down, making them a great addition when companion planting with arugula.
Monitor Pests Regularly: While companion planting can help reduce pest problems, it’s still important to monitor your plants for pests like aphids, slugs, and flea beetles. If you notice any issues, take action promptly by using organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or predatory beetles.

Conclusion

Companion planting for arugula is an effective strategy to boost plant health, improve yields, and create a more sustainable garden. By choosing the right companions and avoiding plants that may hinder arugula’s growth, you can foster a thriving, harmonious garden ecosystem. Regardless if you’re growing arugula for culinary purposes or as part of a larger vegetable garden, companion planting is an excellent way to enhance your gardening efforts.