Companion planting for arugula is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of arugula below.
| Companion plants for arugula | Enemy plants of arugula |
|---|---|
| Beans | Eggplant |
| Carrot | Pepper |
| Beetroot | Tomato |
| Chamomile | Potato |
| Cucumber | |
| Dill | |
| Borage | |
| Celery | |
| Nasturtiums |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of arugula?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your arugula. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your arugula.
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans are a great companion for arugula because they help fix nitrogen in the soil, which boosts the overall soil health and gives your arugula the nutrients it needs to grow strong. Beans’ deep roots also help loosen the soil, improving the drainage around your arugula plants.
Plus, beans’ leafy vines can provide a little extra shade for your arugula during hot weather, keeping it cooler and more comfortable. Together, they make a winning pair in the garden!
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots and arugula make a perfect duo because they don’t compete for the same space in the soil. Carrots grow deep roots while arugula stays shallow, so they won’t crowd each other out.
Carrots also help improve soil structure by loosening it up, which benefits the growth of your arugula. Plus, with carrots growing below and arugula on top, they make great use of vertical space, so you get more out of your garden!
Beetroot
Beetroots, celebrated for their earthy sweetness and nutrient-rich composition, thrive amidst fertile soil and ample sunlight. They prefer well-drained earth with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, ensuring optimal growth and development. Regular watering and loose soil encourage healthy root formation and vibrant foliage.
Beetroots are a good match for arugula because they both grow well in similar conditions—cool, moist soil. Beets’ deep roots help break up the soil, creating better drainage for your arugula’s shallow roots.
The rich, loamy soil that beets prefer also provides a healthy environment for arugula to thrive. Plus, beets and arugula don’t compete for the same nutrients, making them perfect garden pals.
Chamomile
Chamomile thrives in diverse growing conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil under gentle sunlight, it embodies adaptability and calmness. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant flowering. Chamomile offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects, such as pollinators, and enhancing overall biodiversity.
Chamomile is a lovely companion for arugula because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, which help pollinate your arugula and keep pests at bay.
Chamomile’s delicate flowers also have a calming effect on your garden, naturally improving the overall health of surrounding plants. Plus, chamomile can help with pest control by repelling aphids and other common garden pests that could harm your arugula.
Cucumber
Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.
Cucumbers and arugula make great partners in the garden because cucumbers help shade arugula’s roots, protecting them from the hot sun. This is especially helpful during warm summer months when arugula might otherwise bolt or go to seed too quickly.
Cucumbers also grow well in the same moist, well-drained soil that arugula loves, creating an ideal growing environment for both plants.
Dill
Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Dill is a wonderful companion for arugula because it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help increase your arugula’s yields. Dill also repels certain pests, like aphids, that might try to feast on your arugula.
The tall, feathery leaves of dill can also provide a bit of shade to keep your arugula cool during the hot summer months, helping it grow strong and flavorful.
Borage
Borage, esteemed for its herbal charm and botanical grandeur, thrives in diverse habitats under the sun's warm embrace. Flourishing in well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH, it showcases resilience and adaptability. Regular watering and adequate spacing promote lush foliage and vibrant blooms, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Borage is a fantastic companion for arugula because it attracts pollinators like bees, which helps improve the pollination of arugula flowers, leading to better yields.
Borage also adds nutrients to the soil, benefiting arugula’s growth. Its leaves can also act as a natural mulch, keeping the soil moist and protecting arugula roots from the harsh sun. With all its benefits, borage is a must-have in your garden.
Celery
Celery flourishes in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil infused with organic matter. Consistent moisture and sunlight support robust growth and vibrant foliage. Celery contributes to the overall health of neighboring plants by improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, and fostering beneficial microbial activity. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like parsley and carrots, celery symbolizes the natural vitality and elegance found within the garden's embrace.
Celery and arugula are a perfect match because they have similar growing needs, enjoying moist, well-drained soil. Celery’s tall stalks can provide a bit of shade to arugula, keeping the delicate leaves cool and slowing down any bolting in hot weather.
Celery also helps to repel pests like aphids, which are common troublemakers for arugula.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant flowers and trailing foliage. Nasturtiums offer invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and adding a touch of vibrant color to garden landscapes.
Nasturtiums and arugula work well together because nasturtiums attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predatory insects that help control pests like aphids and caterpillars.
Nasturtiums also act as a trap plant for pests, luring them away from your arugula and protecting it from damage. Plus, nasturtiums’ bright flowers add beauty to your garden while keeping your arugula happy and safe.
What are the enemy plants of arugula?
Planting these plants next to arugula has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your arugula. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your arugula.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplants and arugula don’t get along well because they’re both susceptible to similar pests and diseases, like aphids and blight. These pests can quickly move from one plant to another, causing trouble for both.
Eggplants also need a lot of nutrients to thrive, and they might compete with your arugula for soil nutrients, stunting its growth. To keep both plants healthy and happy, it’s best to plant them apart.
Pepper
Peppers expand in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant foliage and prolific fruiting. Peppers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their pungent compounds, attracting pollinators, and adding diversity to the garden landscape.
Peppers and arugula aren’t a good match because they have different water and light needs. Peppers like the soil a bit drier, while arugula prefers moist conditions. This difference can lead to stress for both plants.
Peppers can also attract pests like aphids, which might target your arugula. For the best results, it’s better to keep peppers and arugula separate.
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomatoes and arugula don’t make the best team in the garden. Both plants are prone to similar diseases, like blight and mildew, which can spread quickly from one to the other.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, meaning they can take up a lot of nutrients from the soil, leaving arugula with less to grow. For healthier plants, it’s best to plant them apart to reduce the risk of disease and competition for nutrients.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Potatoes and arugula don’t mix well because they both compete for the same nutrients in the soil. Potatoes have deep roots that spread out and can take up a lot of space, crowding out your arugula.
Additionally, potatoes can attract pests like aphids, which might move to your arugula, causing damage. For better growth, keep potatoes away from arugula to avoid competition and pests.
