What to Plant with Eggplant: A Guide to Companion Planting
Eggplant is a popular vegetable in many gardens, known for its rich, meaty flavor and versatility in a variety of dishes. However, did you know that eggplant can benefit from being planted alongside certain other vegetables and herbs? Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to improve their growth, health, and productivity. In this article, we’ll explore the best plants to grow with eggplant, and how they can benefit from each other.
What to Plant with Eggplant: A Guide
When it comes to companion planting with eggplant, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the best plants to grow with eggplant:
1. Basil
- Why: Basil repels pests that can damage eggplant, such as aphids and whiteflies.
- How: Plant basil leaves around the base of your eggplant plants to keep these pests away.
2. Marigold
- Why: Marigold repels nematodes, which can harm eggplant roots.
- How: Plant marigold flowers around the base of your eggplant plants to keep nematodes at bay.
3. Chives
- Why: Chives repel aphids and other pests that can damage eggplant.
- How: Plant chives around the base of your eggplant plants to keep these pests away.
4. Oregano
- Why: Oregano repels pests that can damage eggplant, such as nematodes and fungi.
- How: Plant oregano leaves around the base of your eggplant plants to keep these pests away.
5. Tomatoes
- Why: Tomatoes and eggplant are both members of the nightshade family, and they benefit from each other’s growth.
- How: Plant tomatoes and eggplant together in the same bed, making sure to provide enough space for each plant to grow.
6. Peppers
- Why: Peppers and eggplant have similar growing requirements and can benefit from each other’s shade.
- How: Plant peppers and eggplant together in the same bed, making sure to provide enough space for each plant to grow.
7. Cucumbers
- Why: Cucumbers and eggplant have similar growing requirements and can benefit from each other’s shade.
- How: Plant cucumbers and eggplant together in the same bed, making sure to provide enough space for each plant to grow.
8. Zucchini
- Why: Zucchini and eggplant have similar growing requirements and can benefit from each other’s shade.
- How: Plant zucchini and eggplant together in the same bed, making sure to provide enough space for each plant to grow.
9. Borage
- Why: Borage attracts beneficial insects that can help pollinate eggplant.
- How: Plant borage flowers around the base of your eggplant plants to attract these beneficial insects.
10. Comfrey
- Why: Comfrey acts as a fertilizer plant, adding nutrients to the soil that can benefit eggplant.
- How: Plant comfrey around the base of your eggplant plants, and harvest the leaves to use as a fertilizer.
What Not to Plant with Eggplant
While there are many plants that benefit from being grown with eggplant, there are also some plants that should be avoided. Here are some plants that should not be planted with eggplant:
- Onions: Onions can inhibit the growth of eggplant, so it’s best to keep them separate.
- Garlic: Garlic can also inhibit the growth of eggplant, so it’s best to keep them separate.
- Fennel: Fennel can inhibit the growth of eggplant, so it’s best to keep them separate.
Conclusion
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be grown in a variety of conditions, but it can also benefit from being planted alongside certain other vegetables and herbs. By following the companion planting guide above, you can create a healthy and productive garden that benefits from the relationships between different plants.