What To Plant With Arugula: Companion Planting for Success
Arugula, with its peppery bite, thrives when strategically paired with other plants. The best companions for arugula include those that offer shade, deter pests, or improve soil quality, resulting in a more bountiful and flavorful harvest.
Understanding Arugula’s Needs: A Brief Background
Arugula ( Eruca vesicaria sativa), also known as rocket, is a cool-season crop prized for its distinctive, pungent flavor. It’s quick to mature, making it a rewarding addition to any garden. However, arugula can be prone to bolting in hot weather and susceptible to certain pests. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for successful companion planting.
The Benefits of Companion Planting with Arugula
Companion planting, the practice of growing different plants in close proximity for mutual benefit, offers several advantages for arugula:
- Pest Control: Some plants repel common arugula pests like flea beetles and aphids.
- Shade and Temperature Regulation: Taller plants can provide shade, protecting arugula from scorching sun and preventing bolting.
- Improved Soil Health: Certain companions enrich the soil, providing essential nutrients for arugula’s growth.
- Increased Yields: Overall, companion planting can lead to a healthier and more productive arugula patch.
- Biodiversity: Increases the health of your garden overall.
Effective Arugula Companion Plants: A Gardener’s Guide
Here’s a look at some excellent companion plants for arugula, categorized by their primary benefits:
- Pest Repellents:
- Garlic: Deters aphids and flea beetles.
- Onions: Similar pest-repelling properties to garlic.
- Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil-borne pests.
- Nasturtiums: Act as a trap crop, attracting aphids away from arugula.
- Shade Providers:
- Lettuce: Their leaves may shade the soil to keep the soil cooler.
- Spinach: Provides light shade and ground cover.
- Radishes: Fast-growing and offer temporary shade for young arugula plants.
- Soil Improvers:
- Clover: A nitrogen-fixing legume that enriches the soil.
- Beans: Also nitrogen-fixing, improving soil fertility for arugula.
- Flavor Enhancers:
- Chamomile: Enhances the flavor and growth of many herbs and vegetables.
- Dill: Can have a beneficial effect on the health of arugula.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Arugula
While many plants are beneficial companions, some should be avoided:
- Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including arugula.
- Mustard Greens: Belong to the same family (Brassica) and share similar pests and diseases, increasing the risk of infestation.
- Broccoli: Also in the Brassica family, attracting the same pests.
Planting Strategies: Maximizing Companion Planting Benefits
To effectively utilize companion planting, consider these strategies:
- Interplanting: Plant arugula directly between rows of taller crops like lettuce or spinach.
- Border Planting: Surround your arugula patch with pest-repelling plants like garlic or marigolds.
- Succession Planting: Plant radishes alongside arugula, harvesting the radishes as the arugula matures, providing initial shade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to prevent competition for resources.
- Neglecting Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops to prevent the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.
- Ignoring Environmental Factors: Consider your local climate and soil conditions when selecting companion plants.
| Companion Plant | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Pest repellent (aphids, flea beetles) | Can be invasive; plant carefully. |
| Marigolds | Pest repellent (nematodes) | May attract snails and slugs. |
| Lettuce | Provides shade; edible companion | Requires similar watering conditions as arugula. |
| Radishes | Fast-growing; provides temporary shade | Harvest promptly to avoid overcrowding. |
| Clover | Nitrogen fixation; soil improvement | Can spread quickly; requires regular trimming. |
| Nasturtiums | Trap crop for aphids | Can become invasive; monitor spread. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does arugula affect the taste of its companion plants?
No, arugula generally doesn’t significantly impact the taste of its companions. The primary goal of companion planting with arugula is to improve its own growth and health, or to benefit the soil around it, not to alter the flavors of surrounding crops.
Can I plant flowers with arugula?
Yes, certain flowers, particularly those with pest-repelling properties like marigolds and nasturtiums, can be excellent companions for arugula. They not only add visual appeal but also help to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
How close should I plant companions to my arugula?
The ideal spacing depends on the specific companion plants. Generally, allow enough space for both arugula and its companions to mature without overcrowding. A good starting point is to follow the recommended spacing guidelines on seed packets or plant labels, and then adjust based on your observations.
Is it better to start companion plants from seed or transplants?
Both methods can be successful. Starting from seed is often more cost-effective, but transplants can give you a head start and ensure that companion plants are established quickly. Choose the method that best suits your gardening style and resources.
What if my arugula still bolts even with companion planting?
Companion planting can help prevent bolting, but it’s not a guaranteed solution. Other factors like extreme heat, inadequate watering, and nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to bolting. Ensure your arugula receives consistent moisture, adequate shade, and proper fertilization. Choose bolting resistant arugula varities.
Can I use companion planting in containers?
Yes, companion planting is effective in containers. Choose container-friendly companion plants like lettuce, radishes, or herbs like basil. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate all the plants comfortably.
What are some good herbs to plant with arugula?
Basil, chamomile, and dill are all beneficial herbs to plant with arugula. Basil repels certain pests, chamomile enhances flavor, and dill can have a beneficial effect on arugula health.
Does companion planting attract more beneficial insects?
Yes, planting flowers like marigolds and herbs like dill can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other common arugula pests.
How do I choose the right companion plants for my specific climate?
Consider your local climate and growing season when selecting companion plants. Choose plants that thrive in similar conditions as arugula, such as cool-season vegetables and herbs. Research which companion plants have proven to work best in your specific region.
How often should I water arugula and its companions?
Arugula and its companions generally require consistent moisture, especially during hot weather. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
How do I know if my companion planting strategy is working?
Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Observe whether the companion plants are providing shade, repelling pests, or improving soil health. Compare the growth and yield of your arugula with and without companion planting to assess the effectiveness of your strategy.
Are there any specific companion plants that are particularly effective against flea beetles on arugula?
While several plants help deter flea beetles, garlic and radishes are considered particularly effective. The pungent scent of garlic repels these pests, while the fast-growing radishes can act as a trap crop, drawing flea beetles away from the arugula early in the season. Nasturtiums are also useful.