The magic of a garden happens when the rest of the world is still in bed sound asleep. The gardener is up early starting seeds in winter time because they know spring is right around the corner. Yes, the everyday gardener works hard for a successful harvest but they have an ace in their pocket that they’re willing to play! Companion planting is a gardener’s secret tool for a successful, bountiful summer harvest. These methods have been around for centuries and passed down through generations of gardeners. Spending some time learning about which plants to plant with your eggplant will not only boost the growth and the health of your eggplant but it will increase your yields as well. In this blog posts we will cover the the essentials companion planting for eggplant and delve into different set ups that you can use in your very own garden. Let’s jump right in.
Key Takeaways
- Companion planting is a gardening technique leveraging the synergy between different plant species.
- Specifically for eggplant cultivation, companion planting can significantly boost growth, health, and yield.
- This post delves into companion planting strategies tailored to eggplants, providing insights into effective combinations and methods.
- By grasping the principles and advantages of companion planting for eggplants, gardeners can optimize their growing conditions and achieve higher yields.
Helpful Items When Companion Planting for Eggplant
Introduction to Companion Planting for Eggplant
Plants and vegetables are very much like people; some of them get along splendidly well others can’t stand one another. Knowing which plants are compatible with one another can help you match them up in the garden to use to your advantage.
Understanding Eggplant
Eggplant, also known as aubergine or brindle (depending on where you live in the world), has a beautiful deep glossy purple exterior. It belongs to the nightshade family along with tomatoes and potatoes. Knowing this little tidbit of information can help you as you make your future plans in your garden scape.
Growth Habits and Requirements of Eggplant
Luckily eggplant is not too demanding and really quite easy to grow. If you’re short on space, they grow well in containers such as 5-gallon fabric pots. The eggplant prefers direct sunlight and well draining soil. A little feeding every now and again will help your plant thrive. For more information on how to grow eggplant you could read an article here.
Common Challenges in Eggplant Cultivation
Although eggplant are relatively easy to grow, they are not completely insusceptible to problems. Aphids, flea beetles, and blossom end rot are all potential issues that may effect your eggplant. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to prevent such issues and also deal with them should they present themselves. We’ll discuss this as well.
Benefits of Companion Planting for Eggplant
By pairing eggplants together with compatible plants, you can help your plants grow healthier, battle pests naturally, and increase yields overall. In addition, companion planting can help you attract beneficial insects and even improve flavor profiles. Embracing companion gardening not only fosters biodiversity but also creates a harmonious ecosystem where plants thrive together, resulting in a more sustainable and rewarding gardening experience.
Best Companion Planting for Eggplant
Choosing the ideal companions for eggplant can be the difference between a thriving, abundant harvest or a struggling one. Some companions will offer your eggplant shade from the scorching summer sun while others help enhance soil fertility and boost growth. Knowing which plants can help and which can hurt your eggplant will give you an upper hand in the garden. Let’s find out exactly which plants we need to add to our eggplant companion garden to help our eggplant grow.
1. Basil
Basil is a great choice for a companion plant to eggplant. Basil will enhance the flavor of eggplant and does a great job repelling aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Basil can be planted around eggplant. It’s easy to grow and will flourish in full sun and well draining soil. For more information on how to grow basil, check out our post here.
2. Marigold
If you only plant one companion plant this season, let it be marigold. Marigold is a power of a force when it comes to companion plants and it’s for good reason. They are know to repel nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids, protecting eggplants from infestation. An added benefit is they add a beautiful pop of color that looks wonderful next to the deep purple of eggplant.
3. Beans
Beans, specifically bush beans, are an ideal companion to eggplant. Beans are nitrogen fixing. This means that they are able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use. Plants need nitrogen to grow! Beans also do a good job of attracting beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on detrimental pests such as aphids and spider mites.
4. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is known as a trap crop in the gardening world. These beautiful blooms lure away detrimental pests such as aphids, effectively luring them away from our beloved eggplant. In addition, they do a good job of attracting beneficial insects such as hoverflies that will feast on aphids. The best part? Nasturtium is edible and makes a tasty, peppery addition to salads. It’s a win, win.
5. Borage
Borage’s deep taproot helps improve soil structure and nutrient uptake for nearby eggplants, promoting healthier growth. In addition, its vibrant blue blooms to your garden but also attracts beneficial insects like bees and predatory wasps, which pollinate flowers and prey on pest insects. Lastly, its cucumber-like leaves are delicious in salads or as a garnish to my favorite, mint mojitos.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce makes an excellent companion for eggplants, especially if interplanted between rows. Lettuce’s shallow root system helps prevent soil erosion and retains moisture, benefiting nearby eggplants. Additionally, the dense foliage of lettuce can provide shade and help keep the soil cool, creating optimal growing conditions for eggplants.
7. Oregano
Oregano isn’t just a flavorful herb—it’s a natural pest repellent for your eggplants. Its strong scent wards off aphids, spider mites, and cabbage moths, protecting your eggplants from common pests. Plus, oregano attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps and hoverflies, which prey on garden pests, creating a healthier garden ecosystem overall.
8. Radish
Radishes aren’t just for salads—they’re excellent companions for eggplants too! These fast-growing veggies improve soil structure and deter flea beetles, protecting your eggplants. Plus, their short growing season makes them a perfect fit for intercropping, maximizing your garden space and harvest potential.
10. Thyme Seeds
Thyme’s strong scent repels cabbage moths and whiteflies, helping to protect nearby eggplants from insect damage. Additionally, thyme attracts beneficial insects like predatory bugs, which feed on aphids and other garden pests, contributing to a healthier garden ecosystem overall. By planting thyme alongside your eggplants, you’re not only enhancing the flavor of your dishes but also providing natural protection and support for your eggplants, leading to a more robust and productive garden.
What Not to Plant Near Eggplant
1. Potato
Potatoes are in the same family as eggplants (nightshades) and are susceptible to similar pests and diseases. Planting them together can increase the risk of pest and disease buildup, such as potato beetles and blight, which can affect both crops.
2. Peppers
While peppers and eggplants share similar growing conditions, they are both susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that can be transmitted between plants in the nightshade family. Planting them together can increase the risk of disease spread and reduce overall plant health.
3. Fennel
Fennel produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, a process known as allelopathy. Planting fennel near eggplants can stunt their growth and reduce yields.
4. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and can attract common pests such as cabbage worms and flea beetles. Planting it near eggplants can increase the risk of pest infestations and reduce overall plant health.
5. Dill
While dill is a beneficial herb in many ways, it can attract pests like aphids and spider mites, which can also affect nearby eggplants. Additionally, dill can inhibit the growth of certain plants through allelopathy, potentially stunting the growth of neighboring eggplants and reducing their overall productivity. Therefore, it’s best to keep dill separated from eggplants to prevent potential pest and growth issues.
Companion Planting for Eggplant Garden Layout Idea
Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Planting for Eggplant
What is companion planting?
Why should I practice companion planting with eggplants?
Can I plant eggplants with tomatoes?
Can I grow eggplants in pots with companion plants?
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is a great way to harness the power of nature to help you create a bountiful eggplant harvest. Whether it be by nurturing to soil, attracting beneficial insects, or deterring foes, using the power of other plants for your benefit is a smart decision. Remember, with each passing growing year you will gain more knowledge about which plants worked best and carrying that knowledge over will lead to even new discoveries that you can use to your benefit. Enjoy the process and journey and as always, happy gardening!
