The Ultimate Guide To Arugula Companion Planting

The Ultimate Guide to Arugula Companion Planting

Arugula is a cool-season leafy green that is known for its peppery flavor. It is a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Arugula is also a relatively easy plant to grow, and it can be companion planted with a variety of other vegetables and herbs.

In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting arugula, and we will provide a list of some of the best companion plants for arugula. We will also discuss some of the plants that should not be planted near arugula.

Benefits of Companion Planting Arugula

There are several benefits to companion planting arugula. First, companion planting can help to deter pests and diseases. Certain plants have natural insecticidal or repellent properties that can help to protect arugula from pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and flea beetles. For example, planting arugula near onions or garlic can help to repel these pests.

Second, companion planting can help to improve the growth and productivity of arugula. Some plants, such as beets and carrots, can provide shade for arugula, which can help to prevent it from bolting (flowering prematurely). Other plants, such as basil and dill, can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests.

Finally, companion planting can simply make your garden more attractive. Arugula can be planted with a variety of flowers and herbs to create a colorful and visually appealing garden.

Best Companion Plants for Arugula

Here are some of the best companion plants for arugula:

• Alliums: Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, have strong scents that can repel pests. They can also help to improve the flavor of arugula.
• Carrots: Carrots can provide shade for arugula, which can help to prevent it from bolting. They can also help to improve the flavor of arugula.
• Beetroot: Beetroot can provide shade for arugula, which can help to prevent it from bolting. They can also help to improve the flavor of arugula.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is another cool-season leafy green that can be companion planted with arugula. They have similar growing requirements and can help to deter pests.
• Spinach: Spinach is another cool-season leafy green that can be companion planted with arugula. They have similar growing requirements and can help to deter pests.
• Basil: Basil has a strong scent that can repel pests. It can also help to improve the flavor of arugula.
• Dill: Dill has a strong scent that can repel pests. It can also help to improve the flavor of arugula.
• Chamomile: Chamomile has a calming effect on pests and can help to deter them from arugula plants.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums attract aphids, which can help to keep them away from arugula plants. They also have beautiful flowers that can add color to your garden.
• Marigolds: Marigolds repel nematodes, which can damage arugula plants. They also have beautiful flowers that can add color to your garden.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Arugula

There are a few plants that should not be planted near arugula. These include:

• Nightshades: Nightshades, such as tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes, can compete with arugula for nutrients and water. They can also attract pests that can damage arugula plants.
• Kale: Kale can shade arugula plants, which can prevent them from getting enough sunlight.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers can attract pests that can damage arugula plants.

Conclusion

Arugula is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be grown in a variety of climates. Companion planting can help to improve the growth and productivity of arugula, and it can also help to deter pests and diseases. By planting arugula near compatible plants, you can create a healthy and productive garden.

FAQ of arugula companion plants

Question 1: What are some good companion plants for arugula?

Answer: Arugula is a cool-season crop that grows best in full sun and slightly acidic soil. It is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate some shade, but it will produce more leaves if it gets plenty of sun. Arugula is also a good companion plant for other cool-season crops, such as:

• Bush beans
• Beets
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Dill
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Spinach

These plants all have similar growing requirements and can help to deter pests and diseases. For example, bush beans can help to attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, while dill can help to repel flies and mosquitoes.

Question 2: What are some plants that should not be planted near arugula?

Answer: There are a few plants that should not be planted near arugula, as they can compete for water and nutrients or attract pests. These plants include:

• Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale
• Corn
• Melons
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes

Question 3: How far apart should arugula plants be planted?

Answer: Arugula plants should be spaced about 6 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and develop their leaves. If you are planting arugula in rows, the rows should be spaced about 12 inches apart.

Question 4: How often should arugula be watered?

Answer: Arugula needs to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Water the plants deeply so that the soil is moistened to about 6 inches deep. You may need to water the plants more often if the soil is sandy or if the weather is very hot.

Question 5: How long does it take arugula to mature?

Answer: Arugula is a fast-growing crop that can be harvested in as little as 3 weeks. The leaves are ready to harvest when they are about 4 inches long. You can harvest arugula leaves individually or by cutting the entire plant at the base.

Image of arugula companion plants

• Arugula and carrots. Arugula and carrots are both cool-season crops that can be planted together in the same garden bed. The carrots will provide shade for the arugula, and the arugula will help to deter pests from the carrots.
• Arugula and lettuce. Arugula and lettuce are both leafy greens that can be planted together in the same garden bed. They have similar growing requirements and will complement each other in salads.
• Arugula and onions. Arugula and onions are both members of the Brassica family, and they can be planted together to help deter pests. The onions will release a scent that will repel pests, and the arugula will help to improve the soil quality.
• Arugula and spinach. Arugula and spinach are both cool-season crops that can be planted together in the same garden bed. They have similar growing requirements and will complement each other in salads.
• Arugula and tomatoes. Arugula and tomatoes are not typically recommended to be planted together, as they have different soil pH requirements. Arugula prefers a more neutral soil pH, while tomatoes prefer a more acidic soil pH.

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