Good and Bad Eggplant Companion Plants

Some plants make great companions for eggplant, but some should be avoided. In this article, we will highlight the best and worst companions for eggplant.

Good Companion Plants for Eggplant

It’s essential to choose the right companions for your eggplants. Not all plants suit them; some can stunt their growth or attract pests.

Here’s what to plant next to eggplant:

• Oregano: This herb is excellent for deterring certain pests, like aphids and spider mites.
• Nasturtiums: These flowers add color to your garden. Beetles and other pests also dislike them.
• Tomatoes share similar growing requirements.
• Marigolds repel many pests, such as aphids, flea beetles, and whiteflies. They also make the surroundings look pretty!
• Borage attracts pollinators like bumblebees and other helpful insects. It also complements eggplants.
• Basil naturally repels certain pests, like whiteflies, hornworms, and thrips.
• Chives are effective against many insect pests, including aphids and flea beetles.
• Rosemary is a natural deterrent to stink bugs and other pests.
• Dill is also an excellent eggplant companion herb, as it helps keep away spider mites and aphids.
• Cucumbers and eggplants also grow well together and love the sun.

Other great companions include carrots, garlic, spinach, peas, petunias, celery, peppers, mint, beans, and thyme. Eggplants also grow well alongside Swiss chard, onions, lettuce, broccoli, radishes, potatoes, amaranth, and cabbage.

What Not to Plant with Eggplant

Below are bad companion plants for eggplants.

• Fennel might stunt the growth of your eggplants.
• Corn might take away nutrients from the soil.
• Geraniums might make certain diseases take over your eggplants.
• Zucchini will compete for soil nutrients.
• Other bad neighbors include pumpkins, Brussels sprouts, and melons.

How to Grow

Eggplant thrives in warmth [1], so it is best grown in sunny, well-drained areas.

Start the seeds inside six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. Also, eggplant transplants should not be planted in the garden until after the last frost threat has passed.

When the plants are loaded with fruits, they tilt, so you should tie them to stakes. Also, water the soil well, but ensure it remains moist and not soggy.

Fertilizer

The best soil for eggplant growth is sandy loam or loamy soil with high organic matter.

Therefore, mix compost or well-aged manure into the soil about a week before planting. You can also use a general fertilizer, such as 5-10-5.

Garden Pests

Armyworms, thrips, flea beetles, potato beetles, whiteflies, cutworms, and tomato pinworms are common garden pests that affect eggplants.

The best way to deal with these pests is to use a physical barrier, such as floating row covers or other protective materials. You can also encourage beneficial predatory insects, like parasitic wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings.

Additionally, neem oil is an all-arounder for getting rid of many insect pests that may be infesting your plants.

Plant Diseases

Eggplants are also susceptible to various plant diseases, including bacterial and verticillium wilt. Both of these diseases can cause the plants to wilt and die.

Other conditions that might pose a problem include anthracnose fruit rot, blossom-end rot, early blight, and damping off [2]. However, there are many organic treatments for plant diseases that you can look into.

How and When to Harvest

Knowing the right time to harvest the eggplant is important. Too early, and the eggplants will not be ripe enough; too late, and they may be overripe.

Remove the fruit from the plant with a sharp knife when it is ripe. If you try to yank it off, the fruit will be damaged.

Pressing the skin gently with your thumb is the best way to tell if your eggplant is ready. If it easily dents, then it’s ready. Also, an eggplant is ready when its skin appears a little shiny.

Another way to check is to cut a small piece off with a knife or pruner. You should pick the eggplant if the flesh has a slight green hue.

If the flesh is light in color, it’s not yet ripe, so you can wait a few more days before harvesting the rest of your crop.

How to Store Eggplant

Eggplants don’t like the cold, so if you want them to last a while, do not store them in the fridge. Instead, please keep them in a cool, dry place (like a pantry or cupboard).

Proper storage can keep eggplants fresh for up to two weeks. If you’re not cooking them immediately, store them correctly to maximize your harvest!

Where to Buy Seeds

Once you’ve figured out which plants you’d like to grow with your eggplant, it’s time to start shopping for seeds.

One option is to find a local nursery or garden center that carries seeds. If you don’t have a trusted shop in your area, plenty of great online retailers like SeedsNow offer a wide selection of organic seeds.

You can also find seeds at farmers’ markets or check your local library for free catalogs. This is a great way to obtain varieties of plants not commonly found in stores and nurseries.

Takeaway

Before you plant your eggplant, research the plants that will help it thrive.

As you can see, plenty of plants are good to grow alongside eggplant, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that complements your garden.

Remember, though, that just as some plants help your eggplants flourish, some plants are bad for them. Avoid planting eggplants near these plants, or you could risk harming your plants.