Companion planting with arugula can help improve plant health and growth, but it’s important to choose companion plants carefully and avoid planting arugula near plants that can harm it. By following best practices for planning and maintaining an arugula garden, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable.
Plants that can be planted close to arugula include Basil, nasturtiums, radishes, cilantro, and lettuce. When planting companion plants with arugula, it’s important to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and will not compete for nutrients or water.
It’s also important to avoid planting arugula near plants that can harm it, such as other Brassicas, beans, fennel, and strawberries. By choosing the right companion plants and following best practices for planning and maintaining an arugula garden, you can enjoy a healthy and productive harvest of this delicious leafy green vegetable.
Keep reading to find more information on arugula, the perfect companions, and which plants to avoid close to arugula and why.

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ToggleWhy is companion planting important?
Companion planting is an agricultural practice that has been used for centuries to improve plant growth and deter pests. By planting certain species of plants near one another, gardeners can create a more diverse and resilient ecosystem in their gardens. In this article, we’ll explore what plants can be planted close to arugula, one of the most popular leafy greens.
About arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and garnish. Arugula has a slightly bitter and peppery taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong flavor in their dishes.
Arugula has been grown for thousands of years, with evidence of its cultivation dating back to ancient Rome and Egypt. Arugula is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
Nutritional value of arugula
Arugula is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and calcium. Arugula is also a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium.
Ideal growing conditions for arugula
Arugula is a cool-season crop that prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Arugula can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, and it is easy to grow from seed.
Why should arugula be planted with other plants?
When planting companion plants alongside arugula, it’s important to give each plant enough space to grow and develop properly. Most of the plants listed above can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, depending on your preference and available space. Make sure to follow the planting instructions for each plant and provide them with the appropriate amount of water and nutrients.
Explanation of the benefits of companion planting
So why a companion plant with arugula? Companion planting can help improve the health and growth of arugula by providing a diverse ecosystem that supports beneficial insects, deters pests, and improves soil quality. Here are some plants that complement arugula:
Basil
Basil is a great companion plant for arugula because it repels pests like aphids and spider mites. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate arugula flowers. Basil grows well in containers and can be planted alongside arugula in a sunny location.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are colorful and edible flowers that can be planted alongside arugula to help deter pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can help control pests. Nasturtiums can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and prefer full sun to partial shade.
Radishes
Radishes are fast-growing and easy-to-grow root vegetables that can be planted alongside arugula to help break up compacted soil and improve soil quality. Radishes also repel pests like flea beetles and root maggots. Radishes can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and prefer full sun to partial shade.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb that is commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. It can be planted alongside arugula to help deter pests like aphids and spider mites. Cilantro also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which can help control pests. Cilantro prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Plants that should not be planted close to arugula
In the previous section, we discussed the benefits of companion planting with arugula and the plants that complement this leafy green vegetable. In this section, we will explore the plants that should not be planted close to arugula and provide tips for planning a successful arugula garden.
List of plants that do not grow well with arugula
Plants that should not be planted close to arugula include:
Brassicas
Arugula is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. Plants in the Brassica family are prone to similar diseases and pests, so planting them close together can increase the risk of infection. Avoid planting arugula with other Brassicas to prevent the spread of disease.
Beans
Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. While this is beneficial for some plants, it can lead to an excess of nitrogen in the soil, which can cause arugula to produce more leaves than it does flowers. This can result in a weaker plant and a less flavorful crop.
Fennel
Fennel is a plant that releases chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including arugula. Avoid planting fennel near arugula to prevent stunted growth and poor crop yields.
Strawberries
Strawberries are prone to fungal diseases, which can easily spread to other plants in the garden. Arugula is susceptible to these same diseases, so it’s best to avoid planting strawberries near arugula to prevent the spread of infection.
How to plan a successful Arugula garden
When planning a companion planting garden with arugula, it’s important to consider the needs and growth patterns of each plant. Here are some tips for planning a successful arugula garden:
Choose companion plants that complement arugula
As we discussed in the previous section, plants like basil, nasturtiums, radishes, and cilantro complement arugula and can help improve plant health and growth. Choose companion plants that have similar growing requirements and will not compete for nutrients in the soil or water.
Rotate crops
To prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases and pests, it’s important to rotate crops every year. This means planting arugula in a different location in the garden each year and avoiding planting it in the same spot as the previous year’s crop.
Provide proper care and maintenance
To ensure a healthy and thriving arugula garden, it’s important to provide proper care and maintenance. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Make sure to monitor your plants for signs of disease or pest infestations and take action as soon as possible.
Plan for succession planting
Succession planting involves planting crops at different times throughout the growing season to ensure a continuous harvest. Plan for succession planting by planting arugula seeds every few weeks, starting in the early spring and continuing through the fall.