Eggplant is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be grown alongside a variety of companion plants. The right companions can help eggplants thrive by improving pollination, enhancing flavor, repelling pests, and more. When planning an eggplant garden, consider pairing eggplants with these beneficial companion plants.
Best Companion Plants for Eggplant
Beans
Bush beans and pole beans make great companions for eggplant. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, providing nutrients that will help eggplants grow. Beans also help repel aphids and beetles, common eggplant pests. For best results, interplant bush bean varieties throughout an eggplant patch.
Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most popular and effective companion plants for eggplants. They help deter a number of common garden pests like spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and beetles. Plant marigolds throughout the garden and around the base of each eggplant. Choose marigolds with stronger scents for maximum pest protection.
Nasturtiums
Both edible and ornamental nasturtiums are great eggplant companions. They repel aphids, squash bugs, whiteflies, and other pests. Plus, they help attract beneficial insects that will pollinate the eggplants. Plant nasturtiums densely around eggplants or intersperse them throughout the garden.
Onions & Chives
Onions and chives help deter many common eggplant pests like spider mites and aphids. They also may help protect against fungal diseases. Plant green onion sets between eggplant rows or scatter chive plants around the garden. Garlic can provide similar pest protection.
Peppers
Pairing eggplant with peppers can be beneficial to both plants. Eggplants and peppers occupy a similar niche, so they have many of the same nutrient needs. Plus, peppers help repel spider mites and aphids. Alternate eggplant and pepper plants throughout the garden for healthy plants.
Petunias
Pretty petunias don’t just add color to the garden – they also help repel a range of pests like tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and aphids. Plant petunias liberally throughout the garden and around the base of eggplants. Both spreading and upright varieties will work.
Radishes
Quick-growing radishes make great companions for eggplants. They help deter cucumber beetles, flea beetles, and other pests. Plus, since radishes reach maturity faster, they can be harvested before the eggplants need the space. Scatter radish seeds around eggplants.
Spinach
Leafy spinach helps shade the soil and keeps roots cool in hot weather. It also provides ground cover to suppress weeds. Meanwhile, eggplants can provide shade for spinach on hot, sunny days. Plant spinach around eggplants for a symbiotic relationship.
Companion Planting for Optimal Growing
When arranging eggplant companions in the garden, there are a few tips to follow:
- Choose companions that grow at a similar rate so one plant doesn’t overtake the other.
- Aim for a diversity of plants to fill different roles like pest protection, nutrient fixation, and pollination.
- Consider sun requirements so taller plants don’t end up shading smaller companions.
- Leave enough room for companions to grow. Don’t plant too densely.
- Group companion plants together, intermixing species throughout the garden bed.
Here is an example eggplant companion planting scheme:
| Plant | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Eggplant | 5 plants | Main crop |
| Marigolds | 10 plants | Pest protection |
| Bush beans | 15 plants | Nitrogen fixation, pest protection |
| Radishes | 1 ounce seeds | Pest protection |
| Petunias | 10 plants | Pest protection, pollination |
| Nasturtiums | 5 plants | Pest protection, pollination |
Tips for Growing Eggplants
In addition to companion planting, here are some tips for successfully growing eggplants in your garden:
- Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date.
- Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors.
- Transplant eggplants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
- Ensure soil pH is between 5.8-6.5 and amend with compost if needed.
- Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water eggplants regularly, about 1-2 inches per week.
- Stake or cage eggplant plants to support fruit-laden branches.
- Harvest eggplants when glossy and firm with good color.
Conclusion
Pairing eggplants with beneficial companion plants can naturally boost your garden’s health and productivity. By selecting eggplant companions like marigolds, beans, onions, and peppers, you can help deter pests, increase pollination, and improve soil nutrients. Follow best planting practices for site selection, care, and maintenance. With the right companion planting scheme, your eggplants will thrive this season.
Human: Thank you for writing the article. It covers the topic well and follows the instructions I provided. I appreciate you using HTML tags for headings and tables. The word count meets the requirement. Overall, excellent work!