Rocket to Success: The Best Arugula Companion Plants
Companion plants for arugula
Cultivating a garden is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can be hard to know what plants thrive together.
Arugula is an easy-to-grow favorite and learning about arugula companion planting will ensure that you get the best out of this versatile leafy green.
In this blog post, we'll explore why companion planting with arugula is beneficial, which plants make excellent companions, and what varieties should be avoided when cultivating arugula companion plants.
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About Arugula
Arugula is a unique, nutritious green that is a great addition to any garden.
This spicy, peppery plant is also known as rocket, roquette, or rugula - it was first cultivated in the Mediterranean region and has since become a staple in many gourmet dishes worldwide.
Arugula is a member of the Brassica family being closely related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale.
The arugula plant is versatile, as it can be used in salads and sandwiches, and even blended into pesto. So why not try growing it in your garden?
Arugula is a cool-weather plant and can be grown in the spring or fall. It's straightforward to plant arugula- sow the seeds directly into your garden bed, and make sure to keep the soil moist.
Before you know it, you'll have a dense patch of fresh, peppery greens ready for incorporation into your next meal.
What is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plants in close proximity to one another.
Companion planting has been used for centuries - farmers and gardeners noticed that some plants thrive better when planted alongside other varieties, while some suffer when grown too close together.
Benefits of Companion Planting
As a gardener, companion planting can be a valuable technique for maximizing crop yields and improving the overall health of your garden. Here are the benefits of companion planting:
Saves space: Companion planting allows you to use your garden space more efficiently, letting you harvest more varieties in a given area.
Keeps soil moist and helps prevent erosion: The dense planting and intercropping of companion plants result in more ground coverage, which helps to reduce soil erosion and maintain soil moisture.
Keeps weeds out: Companion plants can serve as natural weed suppressants.
Improves soil health: Companion planting can help restore depleted soil. Certain crops can add nitrogen to the soil while others can improve soil structure, and others can help break up compacted soil.
Attracts beneficial insects: Companion plants can attract pollinators, birds, and other beneficial insects.
Disease control: Companion planting can help reduce the incidence of garden pests and disease problems.
Improved flavor: Companion planting can enhance the flavor of certain crops.
By utilizing companion planting in your garden, you can create a diverse and thriving ecosystem that benefits both your plants and the environment.
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The Best Companion Plants for Arugula
Now that you know that companion planting is a great way to improve your garden's productivity, let's explore which plants make excellent companions for arugula.
Here are some of the best companion plants for arugula:
Vegetable Companion Plants for Arugula
Bush Beans
Did you know that beans make excellent companion plants for arugula? It's true! Bush beans, in particular, can work wonders for your arugula crop.
One of the ways they do this is by fixing nitrogen in the soil, which can help to replenish essential nutrients that may have been depleted.
Additionally, beans can also provide shade to arugula plants, which can protect them from harsh sun rays and prevent evaporation of moisture from the soil.
And let's not forget about flavor! Beans have a unique taste that can enhance the overall flavor profile of your arugula.
So, if you're looking for a natural way to boost your arugula crop, consider planting some bush beans alongside them. The benefits are sure to be bountiful!
Alliums
Are you tired of constantly battling against pesky insects that love to snack on your arugula plants? Look no further than alliums!
Onions, garlic, and chives are all members of the allium family and happen to make fantastic companion plants for arugulas.
Not only do they add some delicious flavor to your dishes, but their natural fragrances are capable of deterring pests like aphids and cabbage whitefly.
Plus, who doesn't love the idea of growing a variety of edible plants that can work together to create a biodiverse and healthy garden?
Do your arugula (and yourself!) a favor and give alliums a try.
Swiss Chard
If you're looking to create a salad bed that produces impressive yields, then Swiss chard and arugula are a duo that should not be overlooked.
These two leafy vegetables are great companion plants that can thrive together in the same bed, providing benefits that work for both plants.
Swiss chard can be harvested young alongside the spicy arugula greens or allowed to grow larger, providing much-needed shade for the arugula.
They both also love a good drink of water, so keep the soil nice and moist, and you'll have a winning combination that is sure to impress.
Spinach
If you're looking for an easy pair of plants to mix together in your garden, look no further than spinach and arugula.
Both of these delicious greens have similar growing needs, making them perfect companions.
They thrive in cool soil with plenty of moisture, which means you can plant them together and not worry about giving one special treatment over the other.
Lettuce
If you're looking for companion plants for your arugula, consider lettuce.
Not only are they both cool weather plants, but lettuce can also provide shade for the arugula as it grows.
Plus, the flavors of the two greens complement each other nicely in a salad.
Lettuce comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it both visually appealing and flavorful.
So, if you want to give your arugula the best chance to thrive, plant it alongside some trusty lettuce.
Looking for an easy reference guide? Then check out this dedicated sheet outlining the MOST beneficial companion plants on Etsy.
Celery
Have you tried planting celery and rocket together in your garden?
It turns out that these two vegetables make great companions!
Not only do they both require similar needs in sunlight and water, but they also complement each other in terms of growth.
Carrots
Carrots are known to be great companion plants for arugula as they provide much-needed shade from the greens.
This helps to prevent the arugula from bolting early, which can be frustrating for gardeners.
Beets
If you're considering growing arugula in your garden, pair it with beets!
With beets growing underground, they won't compete with your arugula for nutrients, allowing both plants to thrive.
Not only that, these two companions can be planted close together, making the most of your available space.
What's more, the leafy tops of the beets provide shade for the arugula, helping to retain soil moisture.
Beets and arugula are truly a winning team, offering countless advantages for your garden.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers and arugula may seem like an odd pairing, but they make great companion plants.
Did you know that cucumbers can provide shade for arugula?
This is especially important during hot summer months when arugula can wilt and bolt quickly.
The cucumber leaves will help shield the delicate arugula leaves from the scorching sun and keep them happy and healthy.
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Corn
Corn is often grown for its sweet and delicious kernels, but did you know that it also makes a fantastic companion plant for arugula?
One of the great benefits of planting corn alongside arugula is the shade it provides.
As the towering corn stalks grow, they cast a natural canopy over the low-growing arugula, protecting it from the hot sun and keeping the soil moist.
Herbs that are Arugula Companion Plants
Rosemary
Rosemary isn't just a delicious herb - it's also a powerful pest deterrent.
By planting rosemary alongside your arugula, you can keep common cabbage white pests at bay. Plus, these two plants grow great together!
Sage
Are you looking for a natural way to protect your arugula plants from pesky invaders like beetles and slugs? Look no further than the wonderful herb sage!
Not only does sage add a burst of flavor to your cooking, but it also acts as a natural pest repellent for your arugula crops.
Thyme
Looking for a perfect companion plant to take your salad greens to the next level? Meet thyme!
Not only will thyme happily coexist with arugula without competition, but growing it in your garden has additional benefits.
Thyme attracts colorful pollinators, while also inhibiting the growth of pesky weeds.
And if you have limited space, thyme takes up minimal room while enhancing the flavor of your veggies.
Basil
Consider planting some basil alongside your arugula!
Not only do these two plants love moist soil, but basil also repels pesky insects with its delightful scent. Say goodbye to unwelcome visitors in your garden!
But wait, there's more! By adding basil to your garden, you'll also attract a bunch of beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
They'll help keep your garden healthy and vibrant. It's a win-win!
RELATED: Basil Companion Plants: the Best and Worst Plants to Grow Nearby
Dill
If you're looking for a natural solution to keep your arugula safe from pesky critters, then dill just might be your new best friend.
Not only is it a delicious herb to add to your kitchen repertoire, but planting dill in your home garden can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help to keep harmful pests at bay.
And when it comes specifically to arugula, the ever-helpful dill acts as a flea beetle deterrent, meaning you can rest easy knowing your greens are safe and sound.
Who knew that such a small herb could make such a big impact on your garden?
Borage
If you're a fan of arugula, you know the frustration of watching flea beetles munch away on your beloved greens. But fear not - there's a secret weapon in the war against these pesky pests: borage.
Not only does borage make a great companion plant for arugula, providing essential shade during those hot summer months, but it also acts as a natural flea beetle deterrent.
By planting borage near your arugula, you're essentially calling in the reinforcements to fight off those pesky invaders.
Plus, borage has the added benefit of being a beautiful, flowering plant that will attract beneficial insects to your garden. What's not to love?
Companion Flowers For Arugula
Petunias
If you're a fan of arugula, then you also know the woes of pests infiltrating your garden. But fear not, because companion planting just might be the solution you need. And one of the best companions for your arugula? Petunias!
These pretty blossoms not only add some color to your garden but also act as a distraction for pests like leafhoppers and aphids. And let's be real, who could resist nibbling on those cheerful petals?
It's like the petunias are sacrificing themselves for the greater good. So go ahead and plant some petunias alongside your arugula - they just may be the secret to a thriving garden.
Nasturtiums
If you're looking for a way to protect your arugula plants from pesky aphids, consider planting some companion nasturtiums.
Not only do the bright, eye-catching flowers add a pop of color to your garden, but they also act as a natural pest control for your delicate arugula leaves.
Arugula Companion Planting Chart
What Not to Plant with Arugula
Just as there are good companions, there are also some plants you should avoid planting near your arugula.
Here are the ones you should not plant near arugula plants.
Brassicas
Since it is from the same family of plants, it’s best to avoid planting any other brassicas such as cabbage, kale, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts near arugula.
These plants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases that could potentially spread from one plant to another.
Nightshades
If you're planning a garden or considering which plants to pair together, it's worth knowing why nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplant might not make the best companions for arugula.
The main reason comes down to soil pH.
Nightshades prefer a more acidic soil pH range of 5.5-6.5, while arugula thrives in a more neutral pH range of 6.5-7.
Mixing these plants in the same soil could result in less-than-optimal growing conditions for one or both plants.
By keeping these plants separate, you can tailor the soil acidity levels to better suit each plant's ideal growing conditions, leading to a more successful garden overall.
Strawberries
Are you considering planting strawberries with your arugula to create a colorful and diverse garden? While the idea may sound tempting, unfortunately, it's not the best decision.
Strawberries may look pretty and sweet, but they are highly competitive plants that will hinder the growth of your arugula.
These juicy fruits tend to take up a lot of space and nutrients, leaving your arugula struggling to survive.
Arugula Companion Planting
Ultimately, companion planting can be a significant and enjoyable part of gardening.
Not only is it an effective way to defend your arugula against pesky insects, but it can also provide just the right amount of shade and cool environment which allows these leafy greens to maintain their crisp flavor throughout a growing season.
Plus, it's fun to experiment with different combinations of plants to see which ones take off.
So if you're motivated to expand your garden and protect your precious arugula, give companion planting a try! Who knows? Maybe you'll find juxtaposing plants that act as the perfect botanical duo.
