Companion Planting with Rue: A Guide to Maximizing Your Garden

The Benefits of Rue Companion Planting

Are you tired of pests and diseases destroying your plants? Do you want to improve the health and productivity of your garden? If so, rue companion planting may be just what you need.

Rue is a plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. However, it is also an excellent companion plant. When planted alongside other plants, rue can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects. Additionally, rue companion planting can help improve soil quality, increase yields, and enhance the flavor of your crops.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at how to use rue as a companion plant in your garden. We'll cover everything from which plants to pair with rue to how to care for your rue plants. Let's dive in!

Choosing Plants to Companion Plant with Rue

When it comes to choosing plants to companion plant with rue, there are several factors to consider. First, you'll want to choose plants that have similar growing requirements. This will make it easier to care for your garden and ensure that all of your plants thrive.

Second, you'll want to choose plants that will benefit from rue's natural properties. Rue is known for its ability to repel pests, so plants that are susceptible to pest damage are good candidates for rue companion planting. Additionally, rue can help improve soil quality, so plants that require nutrient-rich soil will benefit from being planted alongside rue.

Here are some plants that pair well with rue:

TOMATOES

Tomatoes are a popular choice for rue companion planting. Rue can help repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms, which can damage tomato plants. Additionally, rue can help improve soil quality and enhance the flavor of your tomatoes.

When planting rue with tomatoes, be sure to plant the rue around the perimeter of your tomato bed. This will help create a barrier to keep pests away from your tomato plants.

BASIL

Basil is another great plant to companion plant with rue. Rue can help repel pests like thrips and spider mites, which can damage basil plants. Additionally, basil and rue have complementary flavors, so planting them together can enhance the taste of both herbs.

When planting rue with basil, be sure to plant the rue around the perimeter of your basil bed. This will help create a barrier to keep pests away from your basil plants.

ROSES

Roses are a popular choice for rue companion planting because they are susceptible to pests like aphids and Japanese beetles. Rue can help repel these pests and enhance the fragrance of your roses.

When planting rue with roses, be sure to plant the rue around the perimeter of your rose bed. This will help create a barrier to keep pests away from your rose plants.

Caring for Your Rue Plants

Now that you know which plants to companion plant with rue, let's take a closer look at how to care for your rue plants. Rue is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your rue plants thrive.

SOIL

Rue prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you may need to amend it with compost or other organic materials to improve drainage.

SUNLIGHT

Rue prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If possible, plant your rue in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

WATERING

Rue is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, if you live in a hot or dry climate, you may need to water your rue plants more frequently.

PRUNING

Rue can become woody over time, so it's important to prune your plants regularly to promote new growth. Prune your rue plants in early spring before new growth begins.

Rue Companion Planting Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when companion planting with rue:

PLANTING DISTANCE

When planting rue with other plants, be sure to give your rue plants enough space. Rue can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, so it's important to plant it far enough away from other plants to avoid overcrowding.

COMPANION PLANTING CHART

Keep a companion planting chart handy to help you choose the best plants to pair with rue. Here's an example of a companion planting chart for rue:

| Plant | Benefits |
| --- | --- |
| Tomatoes | Repels pests, improves soil quality |
| Basil | Repels pests, enhances flavor |
| Roses | Repels pests, enhances fragrance |

INTERPLANTING

Consider interplanting rue with other plants to maximize the benefits of companion planting. For example, you could plant basil and tomatoes together in the same bed with rue around the perimeter.

FAQs About Rue Companion Planting

1. Is rue a good companion plant?

Yes, rue is a great companion plant for many different crops. It can help repel pests, improve soil quality, and enhance the flavor of your crops.

2. What plants should I avoid planting with rue?

Rue can be toxic to some plants, so it's best to avoid planting it with plants like fennel, cabbage, and lettuce.

3. How do I harvest rue?

To harvest rue, simply cut off the stems at the base of the plant. Be sure to wear gloves when handling rue, as it can cause skin irritation in some people.

4. Can I use rue for cooking?

Yes, rue is a popular herb used in many different cuisines. However, it should be used sparingly, as it has a strong flavor.

5. How do I store rue?

To store rue, wrap the stems in damp paper towels and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Rue will keep for up to a week when stored this way.