Companion planting is a gardening approach where different plant species are grown together to provide mutual benefits. This practice can enhance plant health, improve growth, and naturally manage pests, leading to a more productive and balanced garden ecosystem. Arugula, a fast-growing leafy green known for its peppery flavor, significantly benefits from strategic companion planting. By carefully selecting its neighbors, gardeners can create an environment where arugula thrives with reduced intervention.
Benefits of Companion Planting Arugula
Companion planting benefits arugula’s growth and well-being. One primary benefit is natural pest deterrence. Certain companion plants release aromatic compounds or attract beneficial insects that prey on common arugula pests like flea beetles, aphids, and whiteflies, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Companion planting can also improve arugula’s growth and flavor. Some plants, particularly legumes, contribute nitrogen to the soil, a nutrient vital for leafy green development. Others provide beneficial shade, protecting arugula from intense sun and delaying premature bolting, which can lead to a bitter taste.
Beyond direct growth benefits, companion planting enhances overall soil health. Plants with different root structures can break up compacted soil, improve drainage, and access nutrients from various depths. This diverse root system enriches the soil structure and nutrient availability for all neighboring plants. Additionally, certain low-growing companions can act as living mulches, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture.
Good Companion Plants for Arugula
Several plants benefit arugula’s health and productivity. Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, are excellent companions due to their pungent aroma. This strong scent helps deter common arugula pests like aphids and whiteflies, confusing them and making it harder for them to locate the arugula plants. Chives, in particular, also attract pollinators when allowed to flower, further supporting garden biodiversity.
Herbs like dill, basil, cilantro, and borage also make good neighbors for arugula. Dill attracts beneficial insects, including ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids and other small pests. Basil’s strong aroma repels pests like mosquitoes and flies. Cilantro, like dill, draws in beneficial insects and helps deter pests with its aromatic leaves. Borage, with its blue flowers, repels flea beetles and attracts pollinators, while its large leaves can provide shade for arugula.
Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard are compatible companions because they share similar cool-weather growing preferences. These greens have shallow root systems, minimizing competition for nutrients with arugula’s roots. Planting them together also creates a natural ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes are also beneficial companions. Carrots and beets primarily grow below ground, meaning they do not compete with arugula for above-ground space or nutrients. Their leafy tops can provide much-needed shade for arugula during warmer periods, helping to prevent bolting. Radishes, while also brassicas, are often more susceptible to flea beetle damage, acting as a “trap crop” that lures these pests away from arugula.
Finally, specific flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums offer protective benefits. Marigolds are renowned for repelling nematodes and other pests with their strong scent and can attract beneficial insects. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, drawing these pests away from arugula. These flowers contribute to pest management.
Bad Companion Plants for Arugula
Avoid certain plants when growing arugula due to negative interactions. Other members of the Brassica family, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower, are poor companions for arugula. Since they are all susceptible to the same pests and diseases, planting them in close proximity can lead to a rapid spread of infestations.
Plants from the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, are incompatible with arugula. Nightshades prefer a more acidic soil pH (5.5-6.5), whereas arugula thrives in a more neutral pH (6.5-7.0). Attempting to satisfy both can compromise the health of one or both plants. Additionally, these plants are heavy feeders, competing with arugula for available soil nutrients, and can attract similar pests like aphids.
Fennel is another plant that should be kept away from arugula. Fennel releases allelopathic chemicals into the soil, which can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including arugula. Mint, while often beneficial to other plants, can also be problematic for arugula due to its vigorous and spreading growth habit. Mint can quickly outcompete arugula for space, water, and nutrients if not contained.
Strawberries, despite being a popular ground cover, are not recommended companions for arugula. Their spreading growth can overtake arugula, and they may compete for similar nutrients and space. Corn, though offering shade, can also grow too tall and excessively shade out arugula, which, while tolerating partial shade, still needs adequate light for healthy growth.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Arugula
Successful companion planting with arugula requires understanding each plant’s needs. Proper spacing is important to ensure that plants have enough room to grow and access resources without excessive competition. Observing your garden regularly allows you to identify early signs of pests or nutrient deficiencies, enabling timely adjustments to your planting scheme.
Diverse planting, incorporating a variety of beneficial companions, enhances the garden’s ecosystem. Mixing herbs, flowers, and vegetables creates a more resilient system that naturally deters pests and attracts helpful insects. Consider the mature size and growth habits of plants; taller companions can provide beneficial shade for arugula, while low-growing plants can act as living mulches. Rotating crops annually can also prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil, further supporting arugula’s health.