Arugula, known for its bold, peppery taste, has become a favorite among home gardeners and chefs. It grows quickly, thrives in cooler temperatures, and adds flavor to dishes from salads to sandwiches. To get the most out of growing arugula, consider using companion planting—an age-old technique where certain plants are grown together for mutual benefit.
The idea behind companion planting is simple: some plants naturally help each other thrive. They may repel insects, improve soil quality, or help with moisture retention. For arugula, which can be sensitive to pests like flea beetles and aphids, strategic planting with compatible neighbors can make all the difference in yield and overall plant health.
This guide explores ideal companion plants for arugula, combinations to avoid, and practical tips for planning a thriving garden space.
Why Companion Planting Works for Arugula
Arugula is part of the Brassicaceae family, along with kale, mustard greens, and cabbage. These types of vegetables are often targeted by the same pests, meaning they benefit greatly from protective planting strategies. Pairing arugula with compatible plants can lead to:
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Fewer pests: Certain plants deter common insects that feed on arugula leaves.
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Improved soil conditions: Some companions add nutrients back into the soil, like nitrogen.
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Efficient use of space: Smart planting patterns reduce waste and increase production.
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Better yields: Healthier plants generally produce more edible leaves and grow faster.
Let’s take a look at the best plant partners for arugula.
Top Companion Plants for Arugula
1. Radishes
Radishes are a perfect match for arugula. Fast to mature and low maintenance, they can lure flea beetles away from your arugula plants. Acting as a decoy, radishes can keep pest pressure lower where it matters.
How to use: Plant radishes around or alongside arugula rows. As radishes are quick to mature, you can replant several times during the arugula’s growing season.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce shares similar growing conditions with arugula and has a shallow root system. This means you can plant them close together without much competition for nutrients.
How to use: Combine them in rows or alternate them in a raised bed. The mix of leaf textures and colors can also add visual appeal to your garden.
3. Spinach
Like lettuce, spinach grows well in cool conditions and matures quickly. Pairing it with arugula maximizes early-season productivity.
How to use: Sow spinach and arugula seeds together or stagger them a few days apart for a steady harvest window.
4. Chives
Chives help repel aphids and other sap-sucking insects. Their slender leaves make them easy to tuck in among leafy greens.
How to use: Place chives at the corners or edges of your arugula patch. Not only are they helpful for pest control, but they’re also edible and attractive.
5. Garlic
Garlic's strong scent can confuse pests like aphids and beetles. It's also a long-season crop that won’t overshadow arugula’s rapid growth.
How to use: Plant garlic in the background or border rows to act as a natural pest barrier.
6. Carrots
Carrots and arugula use soil in different ways. Carrots grow downward, while arugula’s roots remain close to the surface. This means they don’t fight for space underground.
How to use: Plant carrots in a line behind or beside arugula. The carrot tops will grow in later as arugula is harvested early.
7. Beans
Beans, especially bush varieties, enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen. Arugula benefits from this added nutrient, promoting lush leaf growth.
How to use: Space beans along the back row of your garden plot. Be sure to leave enough sunlight for arugula to develop fully.
8. Marigolds
Marigolds are commonly used to repel pests such as nematodes and aphids. Their vibrant flowers also attract pollinators.
How to use: Surround your arugula patch with marigolds for protection and color.
9. Nasturtiums
These edible flowers are effective decoys for pests like aphids. They draw insects away from more delicate crops like arugula.
How to use: Allow nasturtiums to sprawl around the edges of the garden or in containers next to your arugula beds.
10. Herbs like Dill and Cilantro
Both dill and cilantro bring in beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on aphids. These herbs can enhance pest control naturally.
How to use: Interplant or grow these herbs nearby. Allow some to flower to attract insect predators to your garden.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Arugula
Just as some plants help, others can hinder arugula’s growth or increase the risk of pest problems.
1. Other Brassicas
Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are closely related to arugula and attract the same insects. Planting them nearby can lead to pest infestations spreading quickly.
Why to avoid: Shared pests and diseases.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries may attract slugs and compete with arugula for soil nutrients and moisture.
Why to avoid: Nutrient and moisture competition, plus increased slug activity.
3. Nightshade Family (Tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers)
These warm-season crops can create too much shade and require different soil conditions than arugula. They also attract pests that can affect leafy greens indirectly.
Why to avoid: Different growing needs and potential pest crossover.
4. Fennel
Fennel releases compounds into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants.
Why to avoid: Known to suppress the growth of many vegetables, including arugula.
Succession Planting Ideas with Arugula
Arugula matures in just four to six weeks, making it ideal for succession planting. You can pair it with slower-growing vegetables to keep your garden productive.
Strategy 1: Arugula → Carrots
Plant arugula early in spring. Once harvested, sow carrot seeds in the same spot to take advantage of loosened soil and open space.
Strategy 2: Arugula + Lettuce → Kale
Grow arugula and lettuce together early on. When those are harvested, plant kale or another fall crop in the cleared space.
Strategy 3: Arugula → Beans
Use arugula as a spring crop. Once it bolts or finishes producing, replace it with bush beans for summer harvests.
Tips for Companion Planting with Arugula
To ensure success with companion planting, consider these practical pointers:
Rotate Crop Families
Avoid planting arugula (or any brassica) in the same spot every season. Crop rotation helps reduce disease buildup in the soil and deters repeat pest infestations.
Maintain Adequate Spacing
While companion planting encourages close proximity, overcrowding can still lead to fungal issues or poor airflow. Give each plant the room it needs.
Water with Care
Arugula likes consistent moisture. If you’re planting it next to drought-tolerant crops, adjust your watering strategy accordingly.
Mulch Where Needed
A light layer of mulch helps retain moisture and control weeds. It also keeps the soil temperature even, which benefits arugula during warmer days.
Harvest Frequently
Cutting arugula leaves often encourages more growth. Frequent harvesting also reduces the risk of bolting, especially in warm weather.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is a great way to support arugula's growth naturally, without relying on chemical solutions. From radishes that draw away pests to beans that boost soil nutrients, the right combinations create a thriving, balanced garden environment.
By carefully selecting which plants to grow near arugula—and which ones to keep at a distance—you can boost harvests, minimize pest issues, and enjoy a productive growing season. Whether you’re working with raised beds, traditional rows, or containers, arugula works well in a variety of garden setups with the right neighbors.
Would you like a printable chart summarizing these plant combinations or a customized garden layout design? I can create that for you next.