The Best Companion Plants for Arugula and What to Avoid

Arugula is a quick-growing, cool-season leafy green that benefits from strategic companion planting. In my decades of growing arugula in raised beds, mounded rows, and containers, I’ve found that the right companions help deter pests, improve flavor, and maximize space, while the wrong neighbors can lead to stunted growth or insect problems. Here’s a detailed guide to the best plants to grow with arugula—and which ones to avoid for a healthy, flavorful harvest.

Table of Contents

Why Companion Planting Matters

Companion planting isn’t just a tradition—it’s an evidence-based way to:

Repel pests such as flea beetles and aphids.
Improve soil health by pairing plants with different nutrient needs.
Save space and provide natural shade during warm weather.

Best Companion Plants for Arugula

1. Carrots

Benefit: Carrots’ deep taproots loosen soil, allowing arugula’s shallow roots to access nutrients.
Tip: Sow carrots around the edges of arugula beds to maximize space.

2. Radishes

Benefit: Radishes mature quickly and can distract flea beetles from arugula leaves.
Tip: Interplant radishes between arugula rows for early harvests.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

Benefit: Strong sulfur scents repel aphids, flea beetles, and other brassica pests.
Tip: Use as border plants around arugula beds for continuous protection.

4. Beets

Benefit: Beets grow well in the same cool weather and help shade soil to conserve moisture.
Tip: Thin beet seedlings early to avoid shading arugula too heavily.

5. Spinach and Lettuce

Benefit: Similar growing requirements allow for shared watering and feeding routines.
Tip: Alternate rows for a colorful, salad-ready bed.

6. Herbs (Dill, Mint, Cilantro, Basil)

Benefit: Aromatic herbs confuse pests and attract pollinators when allowed to flower.
Tip: Grow in nearby pots to avoid overcrowding and spreading roots.

Plants to Avoid Near Arugula

1. Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Mustard)

Problem: Attract the same pests, such as cabbage worms and flea beetles, which can spread quickly.
Alternative: Rotate arugula to a different bed each season to prevent pest buildup.

2. Strawberries

Problem: Compete for nutrients and can harbor fungal diseases that affect leafy greens.
Alternative: Keep strawberries in a separate, well-ventilated area.

3. Nightshades (Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant)

Problem: Prefer warm soil and can overshadow arugula’s cool-season needs.
Alternative: Grow nightshades in separate warm-weather beds.

My Proven Companion Planting Tips

Use Borders: Plant onions, garlic, or chives around the perimeter of arugula beds for continuous pest deterrence.
Rotate Crops: Avoid planting arugula in the same spot as previous brassicas to reduce disease risk.
Shade in Warm Climates: Tall companions like dill or carrots can provide light shade to extend the harvest.

My Insight

Through trial and error, I’ve found that pairing arugula with aromatic herbs and non-brassica vegetables keeps pest problems low and harvests abundant. Careful planning ensures that every plant supports the growth of its neighbor—naturally and organically.

🌱 Arugula Companion Planting Chart

Category	Best Companions	Key Benefits	Plants to Avoid	Reasons to Avoid
Root Crops	Carrots, Radishes, Beets	Loosen soil, conserve moisture, distract pests	—	—
Leafy Greens	Lettuce, Spinach	Similar water/feeding needs, easy succession planting	Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Mustard	Share pests (flea beetles, cabbage worms)
Alliums	Onions, Garlic, Chives	Repel aphids, flea beetles, and caterpillars	—	—
Herbs	Dill, Mint, Cilantro, Basil	Confuse pests, attract pollinators	—	—
Fruit Crops	—	—	Strawberries	Compete for nutrients, may harbor fungal diseases
Warm-Season Vegetables	—	—	Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant	Prefer warm soil, overshadow cool-season arugula