Best Companion Plants For Eggplant That Will Boost Your Yield

Best Companion Plants for Eggplant That Will Boost Your Yield

Eggplants are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. But did you know that planting companion plants with your eggplants can help to boost your yield? Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together in a way that benefits each other. There are many different companion plants that can be beneficial for eggplants, but some of the best include:

• Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can help to add nitrogen to the soil. This is beneficial for eggplants, which are heavy feeders.
• Carrots: Carrots help to repel nematodes, which are pests that can damage eggplant roots.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers help to attract pollinators, which are essential for eggplant pollination.
• Herbs: Many herbs, such as basil, dill, and mint, can help to repel pests and attract pollinators.
• Lettuce: Lettuce helps to suppress weeds, which can compete with eggplants for water and nutrients.
• Melons: Melons help to attract pollinators and can also help to improve the flavor of eggplants.
• Onions: Onions help to repel pests, such as aphids and spider mites.
• Peas: Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants, just like beans. They can also help to suppress weeds.
• Potatoes: Potatoes help to repel nematodes, just like carrots. They can also help to improve the flavor of eggplants.
• Spinach: Spinach helps to suppress weeds and can also help to improve the flavor of eggplants.

In addition to these specific companion plants, there are a few general principles that you can follow when companion planting eggplants. First, try to plant plants that have different water and nutrient needs. This will help to prevent competition between the plants. Second, plant plants that have similar growing habits. This will help to ensure that the plants will not shade each other out. Finally, plant plants that attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predators of pests.

By following these tips, you can boost your eggplant yield and have a healthier, more productive garden.

FAQ of good companion plants for eggplant

Question 1: What are some good companion plants for eggplant?

Answer: Some good companion plants for eggplant include:

• Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they add nitrogen to the soil. This can help to improve the growth and health of your eggplant plants.
• Carrots: Carrots don't compete with eggplants for nutrients, and they can help to repel pests like carrot flies.
• Herbs: Many herbs, such as dill, mint, and rosemary, can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects to your eggplant plants.
• Lettuce: Lettuce can help to suppress weeds and shade the soil, which can help to keep your eggplant plants cool and healthy.
• Onions: Onions can help to repel pests like aphids and hornworms.

Question 2: What plants should I avoid planting near eggplant?

Answer: Some plants that you should avoid planting near eggplant include:

• Fennel: Fennel can stunt the growth of eggplant plants.
• Corn: Corn can compete with eggplant plants for nutrients.
• Geraniums: Geraniums can make certain diseases more likely to affect eggplant plants.
• Pumpkins: Pumpkins can compete with eggplant plants for space and sunlight.
• Zucchini: Zucchini can compete with eggplant plants for nutrients.

Question 3: What are the benefits of companion planting with eggplant?

Answer: Companion planting can offer a number of benefits for eggplant plants, including:

• Improved growth and productivity: Companion plants can help to improve the growth and productivity of eggplant plants by providing them with nutrients, suppressing weeds, and attracting beneficial insects.
• Disease and pest control: Companion plants can help to repel pests and diseases, which can help to keep your eggplant plants healthy.
• Attracting pollinators: Companion plants that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, can help to improve the pollination of your eggplant plants, leading to larger yields.
• Improved soil quality: Companion plants can help to improve the soil quality by adding nutrients, reducing compaction, and suppressing weeds.

Question 4: When should I plant eggplant companion plants?

Answer: The best time to plant eggplant companion plants is at the same time that you plant your eggplant plants. This will give the companion plants time to establish themselves and start providing benefits to your eggplant plants.

Question 5: How far apart should I plant eggplant companion plants?

Answer: The distance at which you plant eggplant companion plants will vary depending on the specific plants that you are planting. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should plant companion plants at least 12 inches apart. This will give the plants enough space to grow and thrive.

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• Tomatoes. Tomatoes and eggplants are both members of the nightshade family, and they benefit from being planted near each other. Tomatoes help to deter pests from eggplants, and eggplants help to improve the flavor of tomatoes.
• Basil. Basil is a natural pest repellent, and it can help to keep aphids, mosquitoes, and other insects away from eggplants. Basil also adds flavor to eggplant dishes.
• Cucumbers. Cucumbers and eggplants both need full sun and well-drained soil, so they can be planted together in the same garden bed. Cucumbers help to shade the roots of eggplants, which can help to prevent them from developing root rot.
• Marigolds. Marigolds are another natural pest repellent, and they can help to keep beetles, nematodes, and other pests away from eggplants. Marigolds also add color to the garden.
• Spinach. Spinach is a low-growing leafy green that can be planted between eggplant plants. Spinach helps to suppress weeds and improve the soil quality, which can benefit eggplants.

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