Companion Planting with Arugula: Boost Your Garden's Yield and Health

The Benefits of Arugula Companion Plants

Are you looking for ways to improve your garden's yield and health? Look no further than arugula companion plants! Not only do they help control pests and diseases, but they also provide important nutrients to the soil.

So what exactly are companion plants? Simply put, they're plants that grow well together. They can help each other with nutrient uptake, pest control, and more. By strategically planting arugula with compatible plants, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best arugula companion plants, along with tips for successful companion planting.

Arugula Companion Plants: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Basil

Basil is an excellent companion plant for arugula. Not only does it repel pests like aphids and spider mites, but it also adds a delicious flavor to your arugula salads. Plus, its leaves contain essential oils that can help improve the flavor and aroma of neighboring plants.

To plant basil with arugula, simply scatter seeds or seedlings around the base of your arugula plants. Be sure to keep them watered and fertilized, and watch as they thrive together.

2. Beans

Beans and arugula make great companions because they have different root structures. While arugula has shallow roots, beans have deep taproots that can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage. Plus, beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that other plants can use.

To plant beans with arugula, simply sow seeds in rows alongside your arugula bed. As they grow, they'll provide important nutrients to the soil and help keep pests at bay.

3. Carrots

Carrots and arugula are a match made in heaven. Carrots have long, thin roots that don't compete with arugula's shallow roots, and they're also great at improving soil structure and water retention.

To plant carrots with arugula, sow seeds in rows around the edges of your arugula bed. As they grow, they'll help improve the health of your soil and provide a delicious crop to harvest.

4. Chives

Chives are another great companion plant for arugula. They repel pests like aphids and thrips, and their onion-like scent can confuse and deter other pests. Plus, their delicate purple flowers add a pop of color to your garden.

To plant chives with arugula, scatter seeds or seedlings around the base of your arugula plants. Be sure to keep them well-watered and fertilized, and enjoy the benefits of this dynamic duo.

5. Cilantro

Cilantro is a popular herb that pairs well with arugula. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pest populations. Plus, its deep taproots can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage.

To plant cilantro with arugula, scatter seeds or seedlings around the base of your arugula plants. Be sure to keep them well-watered and fertilized, and enjoy the delicious flavors they bring to your meals.

6. Dill

Dill is a versatile herb that works well with many different plants, including arugula. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your garden. Plus, its strong scent can mask the odors of neighboring plants, making it harder for pests to find them.

To plant dill with arugula, scatter seeds or seedlings around the base of your arugula plants. Be sure to keep them well-watered and fertilized, and enjoy the benefits of this hard-working herb.

7. Lettuce

Lettuce and arugula are a classic pairing in salads, but they also make great companion plants. Lettuce has shallow roots that don't compete with arugula's, and it's also great at retaining moisture in the soil.

To plant lettuce with arugula, sow seeds in rows alongside your arugula bed. As they grow, they'll provide a delicious crop of greens to harvest and help improve the health of your soil.

8. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many different crops, including arugula. They repel pests like aphids and nematodes, and their bright orange flowers add a splash of color to your garden.

To plant marigolds with arugula, scatter seeds or seedlings around the base of your arugula plants. Be sure to keep them well-watered and fertilized, and enjoy the benefits of their pest-repelling properties.

9. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a colorful addition to any garden, and they also make great companion plants for arugula. They attract beneficial insects like predatory wasps and hoverflies, which can help control pest populations.

To plant nasturtiums with arugula, scatter seeds or seedlings around the base of your arugula plants. Be sure to keep them well-watered and fertilized, and enjoy the beauty and benefits they bring to your garden.

10. Peas

Peas and arugula are another great pairing in the garden. Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help provide important nutrients to the soil. Plus, their climbing habit can provide shade and support for your arugula plants.

To plant peas with arugula, sow seeds in rows alongside your arugula bed. As they grow, they'll provide a delicious crop of peas to harvest and help improve the health of your soil.

11. Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing crop that can be planted alongside arugula for quick results. They have shallow roots that don't compete with arugula's, and they can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage.

To plant radishes with arugula, sow seeds in rows around the edges of your arugula bed. As they grow, they'll provide a delicious crop of spicy radishes to harvest and help improve the health of your soil.

12. Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that pairs well with many different plants, including arugula. It repels pests like cabbage moths and flea beetles, and its essential oils can help improve the flavor and aroma of neighboring plants.

To plant sage with arugula, scatter seeds or seedlings around the base of your arugula plants. Be sure to keep them well-watered and fertilized, and enjoy the benefits of this hard-working herb.

13. Spinach

Spinach and arugula are both leafy greens that pair well together. Spinach has shallow roots that don't compete with arugula's, and it's also great at retaining moisture in the soil.

To plant spinach with arugula, sow seeds in rows alongside your arugula bed. As they grow, they'll provide a delicious crop of greens to harvest and help improve the health of your soil.

14. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and arugula may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they actually complement each other quite well. Tomatoes are heavy feeders that can benefit from the nitrogen-fixing properties of arugula, while arugula can benefit from the shade and support provided by tomato plants.

To plant tomatoes with arugula, simply plant them in the same bed and watch as they thrive together. Be sure to provide plenty of support for your tomato plants, and enjoy the delicious fruits they produce.

15. Zucchini

Zucchini and arugula make great companions in the garden. Zucchini has shallow roots that don't compete with arugula's, and its large leaves can provide shade and support for your arugula plants.

To plant zucchini with arugula, sow seeds or seedlings around the edges of your arugula bed. As they grow, they'll provide a delicious crop of zucchini to harvest and help improve the health of your soil.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

Now that you know some of the best arugula companion plants, here are some tips for successful companion planting:

1. Choose compatible plants

When selecting companion plants, be sure to choose ones that have similar growing requirements and complement each other's strengths.

2. Rotate your crops

To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests, rotate your crops every year. This means planting different crops in different areas of your garden each year.

3. Keep your garden healthy

Healthy plants are less susceptible to pests and disease. Be sure to keep your garden well-watered, fertilized, and weeded.

4. Practice intercropping

Intercropping is the practice of planting different crops together in the same bed. This can help increase biodiversity and improve soil health.

5. Experiment!

Companion planting is an ongoing experiment. Try different combinations of plants and see what works best for you and your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is arugula?

Arugula is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter, peppery taste. It's often used in salads and other dishes.

2. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that grow well together and provide benefits to each other, such as improved nutrient uptake and pest control.

3. How do I plant arugula?

Arugula can be planted in the spring or fall. Sow seeds directly into the ground, about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, and thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart.

4. What are some common pests that affect arugula?

Some common pests that affect arugula include flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms.

5. Can arugula be grown in containers?

Yes, arugula can be grown in containers as long as they're at least 6 inches deep and have good drainage.