Eggplant Companion Plants: Boosting Your Harvest with the Right Mates

Oleh Anonymous April 28, 2021 Post a Comment

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If you're looking to grow eggplants in your garden, it's essential to know that they thrive best when surrounded by the right companions. Eggplant companion plants can help improve soil health, deter pests, and attract beneficial insects. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best plant mates for eggplants and why they work so well together.

Eggplant Companion Plants

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and eggplants are both members of the nightshade family, making them excellent companion plants. These two vegetables share common pests, such as flea beetles and tomato hornworms. By planting them together, you can confuse these pests and reduce their numbers. Tomatoes also produce solanine, a chemical that repels nematodes, which can damage eggplant roots.

How to Plant Tomatoes and Eggplants Together

To plant tomatoes and eggplants together, make sure to space them at least two feet apart. This will allow them to grow without competing for nutrients and water. You can also add basil between each plant to repel aphids and other pests.

Basil

Basil is an excellent companion plant for eggplants because it repels several pests, including spider mites, thrips, and aphids. Additionally, basil attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your eggplants.

How to Plant Basil and Eggplants Together

Plant basil around the perimeter of your eggplant bed or interspersed throughout. You can also harvest basil leaves regularly and place them around your eggplants to deter pests.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, including eggplants. They produce a strong odor that repels nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can help control pest populations.

How to Plant Marigolds and Eggplants Together

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your eggplant bed or in between each plant. You can also use marigold leaves as mulch to help suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture.

Beans

Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants that can help improve soil health when planted with eggplants. They provide the soil with nitrogen, a nutrient essential for plant growth, and reduce the need for fertilizers. Additionally, beans attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your eggplants.

How to Plant Beans and Eggplants Together

Plant beans around the perimeter of your eggplant bed or interspersed throughout. Make sure to space them at least two feet apart from your eggplants.

Other Companion Plants for Eggplants

Peppers

Peppers are another nightshade family member that can make excellent companions for eggplants. They share common pests and can confuse them when planted together.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful flowering plant that can help repel several pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be planted with eggplants during the spring and fall. It does not compete for nutrients and water with eggplants and can help keep the soil moist.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent and can help deter pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

FAQs

Q1: Can eggplants be planted with cucumbers?

Yes, you can plant eggplants with cucumbers. However, make sure to space them at least three feet apart as cucumbers have extensive root systems.

Q2: Are there any plants that should not be planted with eggplants?

Yes, avoid planting eggplants with plants from the brassica family, such as broccoli and cabbage, as they can attract pests that will damage your eggplants.

Q3: How much sunlight do eggplants need?

Eggplants require full sun to grow and produce fruit. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Q4: Can eggplants be grown in containers?

Yes, eggplants can be grown in containers. Make sure to choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide and has good drainage.

Q5: When is the best time to plant eggplants?

Eggplants are warm-season crops and should be planted after the last frost date in your area. In most regions, this is typically around mid to late spring.

In eggplant companion plants can help boost your harvest by improving soil health, deterring pests, and attracting beneficial insects. By planting tomatoes, basil, marigolds, beans, and other compatible plants with your eggplants, you can create a thriving garden that produces delicious fruits and vegetables.