Can You Plant Arugula with Tomato Plants

Arugula and tomato plants are both popular choices for home gardeners. Arugula is a leafy green that's packed with vitamins and minerals, while tomatoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes. But can you plant arugula with tomato plants? The short answer is yes, these two plants can be grown together in the same garden bed. In fact, there are several benefits to growing them together.

Companion Planting

One of the main reasons to plant arugula with tomato plants is because they are great companions in the garden. Companion planting involves planting two or more crops together that provide benefits to each other. Arugula and tomato plants are great companions because arugula can help repel pests that are attracted to tomato plants, such as tomato hornworms. Additionally, arugula's shallow roots can help break up the soil and provide nutrients to the tomato plants.

Soil Requirements

Both arugula and tomato plants require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting these two crops together, it's important to make sure that the soil is well-prepared before planting. This means adding compost or other organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage and soil quality. Additionally, it's important to make sure that the soil pH is within the optimal range for both crops, which is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Watering Requirements

Both arugula and tomato plants require consistent watering to ensure that they grow to their fullest potential. However, they have slightly different water requirements. Arugula prefers to be watered regularly, but it can tolerate dry soil for short periods of time. Tomato plants, on the other hand, require more water and can become stressed if the soil is too dry. When planting these two crops together, it's important to make sure that they are both receiving the appropriate amount of water.

Harvesting

Arugula has a relatively short growing season and can be harvested within 40-50 days of planting. Tomato plants take longer to mature and may not be ready for harvest until 60-90 days after planting. When planting these two crops together, it's important to make sure that you are harvesting the arugula before the tomato plants become too large and start to shade them. Arugula should be harvested when the leaves are young and tender, while tomatoes should be harvested when they are fully ripe.

In Conclusion

So, can you plant arugula with tomato plants? Absolutely! Not only do these two plants make great companions in the garden, but they also have similar soil and watering requirements. Just make sure to harvest the arugula before the tomato plants become too large and start to shade them. With a little bit of planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of both arugula and tomatoes in your home garden.