Rocket Companion Plants: How They Benefit Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous March 24, 2021 Post a Comment

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The Basics of Rocket Companion Plants

When it comes to gardening, one of the most important things to consider is companion planting. Companion planting refers to planting different crops together to improve their growth and overall health. One popular companion plant is rocket. Rocket, also known as arugula, is a leafy green that has a peppery flavor. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of planting rocket alongside other plants in your garden.

Benefits of Planting Rocket Alongside Other Plants

There are several benefits to planting rocket alongside other plants in your garden. Here are just a few:

1. Rocket Acts as a Natural Pest Repellent

Rocket contains sulfur compounds that act as a natural pest repellent. By planting rocket alongside other plants, you can keep pests away from your garden without using harmful pesticides. Some of the pests that rocket can repel include flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms.

2. Rocket Improves Soil Quality

Rocket is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it draws nitrogen from the air and converts it into a form that can be used by other plants. By planting rocket alongside other plants, you can improve the soil quality and provide other plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.

3. Rocket Attracts Bees and Other Pollinators

Rocket produces small, white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. By planting rocket alongside other plants, you can increase the number of pollinators in your garden, which can lead to better crop yields.

How to Plant Rocket Companion Plants

Now that you know the benefits of planting rocket alongside other plants, let's talk about how to do it. Here are some tips for planting rocket companion plants:

1. Choose the Right Plants

When choosing plants to plant alongside rocket, it's important to choose plants that have similar growing conditions. Rocket grows best in cool, moist soil and partial shade. Some good companion plants for rocket include lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens.

2. Plant at the Right Time

Rocket is a cool-season crop, which means that it grows best in the spring and fall. When planting rocket companion plants, make sure to plant them at the right time to ensure optimal growth and health.

3. Space Your Plants Correctly

When planting rocket companion plants, make sure to space them correctly. Rocket should be spaced 6-12 inches apart, while other plants may require more or less space depending on their size.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant rocket with tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can plant rocket with tomatoes. However, it's important to make sure that the tomato plants are not too tall and shading the rocket plants.

Q: Can I plant rocket with potatoes?

A: No, it's not recommended to plant rocket with potatoes. Potato plants prefer acidic soil, while rocket prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil.

Q: How often should I water my rocket companion plants?

A: Rocket companion plants should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Aim to water them once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.

Q: What are some other companion plants for rocket?

A: Other companion plants for rocket include radishes, carrots, and beets. These plants have similar growing conditions and can benefit from the natural pest-repelling properties of rocket.

Q: Can I use rocket as a cover crop?

A: Yes, rocket can be used as a cover crop. Its nitrogen-fixing properties make it an excellent choice for improving soil quality and preparing the soil for other crops.