Can I Plant Arugula Next to Tomatoes?

If you are wondering whether it is possible to plant arugula next to tomatoes, the answer is yes. While not commonly grown together, arugula and tomatoes can be great companions in the garden, especially when it comes to improving soil health, repelling pests and diseases, and promoting overall garden health. This article explores why arugula and tomatoes make great companion plants and how to best grow them together.

Why Arugula and Tomatoes Make Great Companion Plants

Arugula and tomatoes are among the many companion plants that work together to create a healthy and productive garden. Here are some of the reasons why they make great companions:

Improved Soil Health: Arugula is known for its ability to help enrich soil with nitrogen, a nutrient that tomatoes need to grow well. Likewise, tomatoes also contain nutrients that can benefit arugula, making it a win-win for both plants.

Pest and Disease Repellent: Arugula is a natural pest repellent and can help keep pests away from your tomatoes, such as the tomato hornworm. Additionally, tomatoes and arugula produce compounds that can help repel harmful soil-borne diseases, such as fusarium and verticillium wilt.

Complementary Growth Habits: Arugula is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested relatively quickly, which makes it a great companion to slower-growing tomato plants. The fast growth of arugula can also help shade and protect the soil around the tomatoes, helping to retain moisture and prevent erosion.

How to Best Grow Arugula and Tomatoes Together

If you want to grow arugula and tomatoes together, it is important to consider how to best plant and care for them. Here are some tips:

Planting: To ensure they have enough space to grow, plant arugula and tomatoes about 2-3 feet apart from each other in well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Plant arugula seeds about a half-inch deep, and plant tomato transplants at least 2 inches deep.

Watering: Keep the soil around arugula and tomatoes consistently moist but not waterlogged. Arugula likes moist soil but can be susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet, while tomatoes need consistent moisture to develop properly but can be prone to root rot if overwatered.

Fertilizing: As mentioned, arugula is an excellent source of nitrogen and can be used to help fertilize tomatoes. However, it is also important to ensure the tomato plants receive adequate amounts of other necessary nutrients, such as phosphorous and potassium, which can be obtained from conventional fertilizers or organic amendments like compost or animal manure.

Harvesting: Once arugula is about 6-8 inches tall, it is ready to be harvested by cutting off the leaves as needed. Tomatoes typically take longer to mature and should be allowed to ripen on the vine before harvesting.

Conclusion

So, can you plant arugula next to tomatoes? Yes! Both arugula and tomatoes can benefit from each other's presence in the garden, and with proper planting, watering, and fertilizing, they can grow together beautifully. If you are looking for a way to improve soil health, repel pests and diseases, and promote a healthy garden, consider planting arugula and tomatoes together.