Hi there, welcome to the world of arugula companion plants!
Ever found yourself wondering how to get the most out of your garden? One trick seasoned gardeners swear by is companion planting. It's like the secret recipe to a flourishing garden. And when it comes to arugula, a leafy green with a peppery kick, choosing the right neighbors can make all the difference.
Whether you're looking to boost flavor, deter pests, or maximize space, knowing what to plant alongside arugula is key.
Arugula Companion Plants: Vegetables That Pair Perfectly
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting is more than just a trend; it's a smart gardening technique that can lead to healthier plants and better yields. The idea is simple: some plants just grow better together. For arugula, choosing the right companions can help control pests, improve soil health, and even enhance its flavor.
Companion Planting Techniques for Arugula
Plant Combination | Tall Plant | Short Plant | Benefits for Arugula |
Arugula + Peas+ Radish | Peas | Radish | Peas provide shade for arugula, helping prevent bolting; radishes act as ground cover and deter pests. |
Arugula + Sunflower + Lettuce | Sunflower | Lettuce | Sunflowers provide tall shade, while lettuce grows well in the cooler, shaded area alongside arugula. |
Arugula + Corn + Beets | Corn | Beets | Corn gives vertical space and shade, and beets help retain soil moisture, benefiting both arugula and beets |
Arugula + Broccoli + Spinach | Broccoli | Spinach | Broccoli offers partial shade for arugula, and spinach thrives in the shaded, moist environment beneath. |
Arugula + Peas + Swiss Chard | Peas | Swiss Chard | Peas support arugula by providing structure and shade, and Swiss chard offers additional ground coverage. |
Arugula + Okra + Kale | Okra | Kale | Okra gives height and shade, while kale’s large leaves provide additional protection from the sun, creating an ideal microclimate for arugula. |
NOTE: The medium plant in this chart is Arugula
Combining tall, medium, and short plants in your garden is a strategic way to optimize space and enhance plant growth. The tall plants in each combination offer vital shade and support, preventing arugula from bolting in hot conditions.
Medium plants like arugula enjoy the moderated climate provided by the taller plants, and short plants help by retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and reducing competition for nutrients.
This thoughtful layering ensures that arugula grows in optimal conditions, enhancing its flavor and productivity while supporting the overall health of your garden.
You can now combine your plants with ease. Sounds good? Now, let’s look at the basic care for each of these plants and why you’ll love them.
Related:
Top Vegetables to Plant with Arugula
1. Peas
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Spread: 1-2 feet
- Flavor: Sweet, crisp
- Growing Season: Cool-season crop, spring and fall
Peas are vining plants that climb trellises or other support structures, producing small, round, green pods filled with tender peas. They're one of the earliest crops to harvest in spring and can also be planted for a fall crop.
Why You’ll Love It: Peas are nitrogen fixers, meaning they enhance soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use. This benefits arugula by providing it with the nutrients it needs to thrive, leading to a more vigorous growth.
Additionally, their quick growth can provide a bit of shade for arugula in the warmer days of late spring.
2. Carrots
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 2-4 inches
- Flavor: Sweet, earthy
- Root Depth: 6-12 inches
Carrots are root vegetables that grow deep into the soil, producing long, crunchy, orange roots. Their feathery green tops are light and airy, contrasting with the dense, peppery leaves of arugula.
Why You’ll Love It: Arugula’s quick-growing nature can provide the delicate carrot seedlings with some much-needed shade, keeping the soil cooler and helping with germination.
Plus, since carrots grow underground, they don't compete with arugula for above-ground space, making efficient use of your garden plot.
3. Beets
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Sweet, earthy, slightly bitter
- Maturity Time: 50-70 days
Beets are root vegetables known for their deep red or golden bulbs and vibrant green leaves, often with red veins. Both the root and the greens are edible, providing dual-purpose harvests.
Why You’ll Love It: Beets have different nutrient needs than arugula, so they don't compete for resources, allowing both to thrive. Additionally, arugula’s quick growth can act as a ground cover, suppressing weeds around the slower-growing beets.
4. Radishes
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 4-6 inches
- Flavor: Peppery, crisp
- Time to Harvest: 25-30 days
Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that add a crisp, peppery bite to salads. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and even purple.
Why You’ll Love It: Radishes grow quickly, maturing in about a month, which means they can be harvested before arugula starts to bolt. Their quick growth also helps to loosen the soil for arugula’s roots, and their peppery flavor complements the arugula in salads.
5. Spinach
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Mild, slightly earthy
- Growing Season: Cool-season crop
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable with tender, dark green leaves that are rich in iron and other nutrients. It grows well in cool weather and can be harvested continuously by picking the outer leaves.
Why You’ll Love It: Spinach and arugula have similar growing conditions and timelines, making them excellent companions.
Planting them together allows for efficient use of space, and their flavors complement each other in salads. Plus, spinach can help shade the soil, keeping arugula cool and moist.
6. Lettuce
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 8-12 inches
- Flavor: Mild, crisp
- Varieties: Butterhead, Romaine, Leaf
Lettuce is a versatile leafy green with a mild flavor that pairs well with almost any vegetable. It’s quick to grow and comes in a variety of textures and colors, from crisp Romaine to soft Butterhead.
Why You’ll Love It: Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested frequently, making it a good companion for arugula. Both plants thrive in similar conditions, and the dense lettuce leaves can provide ground cover, helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds around the arugula.
7. Cucumbers
- Height: 1-2 feet (vining varieties can climb higher)
- Spread: 1-2 feet (vines can spread widely)
- Flavor: Refreshing, mild
- Growing Season: Warm-season crop
Cucumbers are vining plants that produce crisp, refreshing fruits perfect for salads and pickling. They prefer warm weather and grow quickly, either on the ground or supported by a trellis.
Why You’ll Love It: Cucumbers benefit from the shade that arugula provides, especially in the early stages of growth. In return, the cucumber vines can help protect arugula from the harsh summer sun as they grow, extending the arugula’s growing season slightly.
8. Kale
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 1-2 feet
- Flavor: Earthy, slightly bitter
- Growing Season: Cool-season crop
Kale is a hardy leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures. Its thick, curly leaves are packed with nutrients, making it a popular choice for salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes.
Why You’ll Love It: Kale and arugula both prefer cool weather and can be planted together in early spring or fall. Kale's larger leaves can provide some shade for arugula, helping to extend its growing season. Additionally, both plants can deter certain pests, making them a strong pair in the garden.
9. Swiss Chard
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 1-2 feet
- Flavor: Mild, slightly earthy
- Varieties: Rainbow, Green, Red
Swiss chard is a colorful leafy green with thick stalks that range in color from bright red to golden yellow. It’s a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked, and it’s known for its resilience in the garden.
Why You’ll Love It: Swiss chard's vibrant stems add visual interest to your garden, while its large leaves can provide beneficial shade for arugula. Both plants grow well in similar conditions, and their flavors complement each other in salads and stir-fries.
10. Onions
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 4-6 inches
- Flavor: Pungent, sweet when cooked
- Varieties: Red, Yellow, White
Onions are bulbous vegetables that grow underground, with long green tops above the soil. They add a sharp, pungent flavor to dishes and are a staple in kitchens around the world.
Why You’ll Love It: Onions can help repel pests that might otherwise bother arugula, making them a protective companion. Since onions grow vertically and don’t take up much space above ground, they fit well alongside arugula in tight garden plots.
11. Garlic
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 4-6 inches
- Flavor: Pungent, earthy
- Growing Season: Fall-planted, spring-harvested
Garlic is a strong-flavored bulb that grows underground, with tall green stalks that reach for the sky. It’s used in cuisines worldwide, prized for its bold flavor and health benefits.
Why You’ll Love It: Garlic is known for its pest-repelling properties, which can help protect arugula from aphids and other common garden pests. Additionally, garlic’s deep roots won’t compete with arugula’s shallow root system, making them great companions.
12. Turnips
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Sweet, earthy, slightly spicy
- Maturity Time: 30-60 days
Turnips are root vegetables with a round, white or purple root and leafy green tops. They’re a cool-weather crop, thriving in the same conditions as arugula.
Why You’ll Love It: Turnips thrive in cool weather and grow quickly, much like arugula. The leafy tops of turnips can provide a bit of shade for arugula, helping to keep the soil cool and moist. Additionally, turnips and arugula both mature quickly, allowing for efficient crop rotation and succession planting.
13. Parsnips
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Spread: 4-6 inches
- Flavor: Sweet, nutty, earthy
- Growing Season: Cool-season crop, best after frost
Parsnips are a root vegetable with a long, creamy-white root that develops a sweet, nutty flavor after exposure to frost. Their tall, feathery foliage adds a unique texture to the garden.
Why You’ll Love It: Parsnips grow deep into the soil, which means they won’t compete with arugula’s shallow roots.
The tall foliage of parsnips can provide partial shade to arugula, helping to extend its growing season as the weather warms. Plus, both vegetables thrive in cool conditions, making them excellent companions for early spring or fall planting.
14. Cabbage
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 2-3 feet
- Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet, crunchy
- Growing Season: Cool-season crop
Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable with tightly packed leaves forming a round head. It’s a cool-weather crop that comes in green, red, and purple varieties.
Why You’ll Love It: Cabbage and arugula both thrive in cooler temperatures, making them great companions for early spring or fall planting.
Arugula can be planted around cabbage to act as a ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Additionally, arugula’s peppery flavor can complement the mild taste of cabbage in culinary dishes.
15. Zucchini
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Spread: 3-4 feet
- Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet
- Growing Season: Warm-season crop
Zucchini is a summer squash that produces long, green fruits with tender, mild-flavored flesh. The plant is bushy and can spread out, taking up significant garden space.
Why You’ll Love It: Zucchini plants grow quickly and can provide some much-needed shade for arugula as the summer heat increases. In return, arugula acts as a living mulch, keeping the soil around the zucchini cool and moist.
This partnership helps both plants to thrive, extending the growing season for arugula and improving the overall health of your garden.
16. Celery
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Flavor: Mild, slightly peppery, crisp
- Growing Season: Cool-season crop
Celery is a crisp, fibrous vegetable that grows in tall, green stalks with a mild, slightly peppery flavor. It’s often used in soups, salads, and as a crunchy snack.
Why You’ll Love It: Celery and arugula both prefer consistent moisture and cool temperatures, making them compatible in the garden. The taller celery stalks can provide some shade for arugula, helping to prevent it from bolting too quickly in warmer weather.
Additionally, the crisp texture of celery pairs well with the peppery flavor of arugula in salads, making them a great combination in the kitchen as well.
What Not to Plant with Arugula
Arugula, while a versatile and resilient leafy green, doesn’t get along with every plant in the garden. Here’s a deeper dive into the plants you should avoid pairing with arugula:
1. Mint
Mint is a notorious garden bully with an aggressive growth habit that can quickly take over a garden bed. Its invasive roots can outcompete arugula for nutrients and space, leading to stunted growth and a poor harvest.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are heavy feeders, meaning they require a lot of nutrients from the soil. When planted near arugula, they can deplete the soil’s nutrient levels, leaving arugula with less to thrive on. Additionally, both plants attract aphids, increasing the likelihood of a pest problem.
3. Fennel
Fennel is a poor companion for most plants because it secretes a chemical that inhibits the growth of nearby plants. When planted near arugula, fennel can stunt its growth and reduce the overall yield of your garden.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes and arugula may seem like a good pairing, but potatoes can attract pests like potato beetles, which may also target arugula. Additionally, potatoes can compete with arugula for nutrients, especially if both are planted in nutrient-poor soil.
How to Grow Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that's easy to cultivate, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here's how to successfully sow and grow arugula:
Sowing Arugula Seeds
Timing
Arugula is a cool-season crop, so it's best to sow the seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. The seeds can be sown as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, about 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. For a continuous harvest, consider sowing seeds every two to three weeks.
Location
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Arugula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. If planting in hot weather, a spot with some afternoon shade can help prevent the plants from bolting.
Soil Preparation
Arugula thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before sowing, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and texture. Rake the soil smooth and remove any large clumps or debris.
Planting Depth and Spacing
Sow arugula seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. Space the seeds about 1 inch apart in rows that are 10 to 12 inches apart. For a more natural look, you can broadcast the seeds over the soil and lightly rake them in.
Watering
After planting, water the soil gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged as the seeds germinate. Arugula seeds usually germinate within 5 to 7 days, depending on the soil temperature.
Succession Planting
To ensure a steady supply of arugula, practice succession planting every two to three weeks. This staggered planting ensures that as one batch is harvested, the next is ready to take its place.
Growing Arugula in Containers
If space is limited, arugula can easily be grown in containers. Choose a pot that's at least 6 inches deep with good drainage. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix, sow the seeds, and care for them as you would in the garden. Container-grown arugula may need more frequent watering, especially during hot weather.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a fresh, flavorful harvest of arugula throughout the growing season. Whether in the garden or in containers, arugula is a rewarding crop that adds a peppery punch to salads, sandwiches, and more.
How to Care for Arugula
Taking care of arugula is relatively simple, but a few key tips can ensure a robust and continuous harvest.
- Thinning Seedlings: Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to about 6 inches apart to give each plant room to grow. You can use the thinned seedlings in salads or as microgreens.
- Watering and Mulching:
Arugula has shallow roots, so it’s important to water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature. - Sunlight:
Arugula grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. In regions with hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can prevent the plants from bolting too quickly. - Fertilization:
Arugula is a light feeder, but applying a balanced fertilizer or side-dressing with compost every few weeks can promote healthy, vigorous growth. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to overly lush growth with less flavor. - Pest Management:
Keep an eye out for common pests like flea beetles, aphids, and slugs. Regularly inspect your plants and use organic methods like row covers, insecticidal soap, or natural predators to control infestations. - Harvesting:
Arugula can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat, typically when they’re 2 to 3 inches long. For a continuous harvest, pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to keep growing. Alternatively, you can cut the entire plant at the base, and it will regrow for another harvest.
You can consider building a self-watering herb garden if you have busy schedules or travel frequently.
Advanced Companion Planting Strategies
For experienced gardeners looking to maximize their yields, advanced companion planting strategies can help:
- Intercropping
Pair arugula with slower-growing crops like carrots or beets. The fast-growing arugula can be harvested before the slower crops need the space, allowing for efficient use of garden beds. - Trap Cropping
Use arugula as a trap crop for pests like flea beetles. Plant arugula around the perimeter of your garden to attract pests away from more vulnerable plants like tomatoes or eggplants. Regularly inspect and remove any infested arugula plants to keep pests under control. - Polyculture Systems
Create a diverse garden ecosystem by planting arugula alongside a mix of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. This diversity can confuse pests, reduce the spread of diseases, and create a balanced environment that supports healthy plant growth.
Common Pest Problems and Solutions
While arugula is a hardy plant, it can attract some pests. Here are the most common ones and how to deal with them:
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are small, black insects that leave tiny holes in arugula leaves, making them look like they've been peppered with buckshot. To manage these pests, cover young plants with row covers to prevent beetles from reaching them. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be applied if the infestation is severe.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from arugula, causing leaves to curl and stunt growth. They can be managed by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water to knock them off. In more severe cases, insecticidal soap can be used to control the population.
Cabbage Loopers
These green caterpillars can chew large holes in arugula leaves, severely damaging the crop. Hand-picking them off the plants is effective for small infestations. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial pesticide, can be sprayed to target these pests without harming beneficial insects.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails love to feast on tender arugula leaves, especially in moist conditions. You can protect your plants by using barriers like crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. Slug traps or organic slug pellets can also be effective in reducing their numbers.
FAQs
What grows good with arugula?
Arugula pairs well with cool-season crops like peas, spinach, and lettuce. These plants have similar growing requirements, making them ideal companions. Additionally, herbs like dill and cilantro can enhance arugula’s flavor profile when grown nearby, creating a delicious garden combination.
What not to plant with rocket?
Avoid planting rocket (arugula) near mint, peppers, tomatoes, fennel, and strawberries. Mint can outcompete arugula for resources, fennel secretes chemicals that inhibit growth, and strawberries can attract pests that may also harm arugula. These plants can create a challenging environment for rocket, leading to reduced yields.
Does arugula like full sun or shade?
Arugula thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Full sun ensures robust growth and intense flavor, but providing some shade in the afternoon can prevent bolting during warmer weather, extending the growing season.
Where is the best place to plant arugula?
The best place to plant arugula is in a location with well-drained, fertile soil and access to full sun or partial shade. It’s ideal to choose a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade in warmer climates. Raised beds or containers are also great options for ensuring proper drainage and easy access for harvesting.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting with arugula is more than just a smart gardening tactic—it’s a way to create a thriving, harmonious ecosystem in your garden. By strategically pairing arugula with plants of varying heights, you can maximize space, improve growing conditions, and boost yields.
Tall plants provide essential support and shade, medium plants offer protection from the sun, and small plants act as effective ground covers. This layered approach not only benefits arugula but enhances the overall health and productivity of your garden.
As you plan your next garden, consider these best practices and companion plants to ensure a successful arugula harvest. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, these strategies will help you grow healthier, more flavorful arugula, and create a more sustainable garden.
External Resources: For more inspiration on arugula companion plants, check out Epic Gardening, and for more gardening tips, check The Spruce.
Happy planting!