21 Companion Plants To Grow With Eggplants
Maximize Growth, Flavor, and Pest Control with the Best Eggplant Partners
Eggplants (Solanum melongena) are a versatile and rewarding crop for any garden, cherished for their rich flavor and culinary adaptability. But like all plants, eggplants thrive best when paired with the right companions. Companion planting is a powerful technique to enhance eggplant growth, improve pest resistance, boost yields, and enrich your garden ecosystem.
This guide dives deep into 21 of the best companion plants for eggplants, how they interact, advanced planting strategies, and expert tips to help you cultivate a thriving, balanced garden.
Why Companion Planting with Eggplants Matters
1. Natural Pest Management
Eggplants attract common pests like flea beetles, aphids, and spider mites. Strategic companion plants can repel these pests or attract beneficial predators, reducing the need for chemical controls.
2. Improved Growth and Soil Health
Certain companion plants enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen or improving soil structure, benefiting nutrient-hungry eggplants.
3. Enhanced Pollination and Yield
Flowering companions attract pollinators, increasing fruit set and overall yields.
4. Space Optimization and Microclimate Creation
Proper companion planting optimizes garden space, improves airflow, and moderates microclimates for eggplant health.
21 Best Companion Plants to Grow With Eggplants
1. Beans (Bush and Pole)
Beans fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil for eggplants. Their vertical growth habit complements eggplants’ sprawling nature.
2. Basil
Basil repels aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles. It also enhances eggplant flavor and attracts pollinators.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds emit nematode-repelling chemicals and deter many insect pests, protecting eggplant roots and foliage.
4. Thyme
This low-growing herb repels garden moths and attracts beneficial insects, reducing pest pressure.
5. Spinach
Spinach acts as a living mulch beneath eggplants, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
6. Peppers (Bell and Hot)
Peppers share similar soil and sunlight needs with eggplants, allowing efficient space use. Both benefit from pest deterrence due to their aromatic foliage.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums act as trap crops, luring aphids and whiteflies away from eggplants. Their vibrant flowers attract pollinators.
8. Oregano
Oregano’s dense foliage deters pests and attracts beneficial insects.
9. Chamomile
Chamomile improves eggplant growth and flavor, while attracting predatory wasps.
10. Carrots
Carrots aerate the soil with their roots and can be planted around eggplants without competition.
11. Cilantro
Cilantro attracts beneficial hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on common eggplant pests.
12. Dill
Dill lures predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control aphids and mites.
13. Garlic
Garlic repels spider mites, aphids, and other pests while potentially reducing fungal diseases.
14. Lettuce
Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested early, allowing eggplants more space as they mature.
15. Radishes
Radishes repel flea beetles and can be planted as a quick cover crop.
16. Rue
Rue repels Japanese beetles and other common pests harmful to eggplants.
17. Sunflowers
Sunflowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects while providing shade to young eggplants.
18. Tansy
Tansy repels ants, beetles, and flying insects, protecting eggplants naturally.
19. Yarrow
Yarrow attracts predatory insects and improves soil quality with its deep roots.
20. Chives
Chives deter aphids and improve soil health.
21. Borage
Borage attracts pollinators and can deter tomato hornworms, which sometimes affect eggplants.
How to Plant Eggplants with Their Companions: Best Practices
Soil Preparation
Eggplants thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. Enrich soil with compost and organic matter to support both eggplants and companion plants.
Planting Layout and Spacing
- Space eggplants 18-24 inches apart.
- Interplant herbs and flowers (basil, marigolds, nasturtiums) between eggplants or along bed edges.
- Use vertical companions like beans on trellises to save space.
Sunlight and Watering
Eggplants need full sun and moderate watering. Most companions share these needs; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Eggplants are heavy feeders—apply balanced fertilizer and mulch to retain moisture. Companion plants like beans help fix nitrogen naturally.
Pest Monitoring
Regularly inspect plants and encourage beneficial insects by planting a diversity of companion species.
Advanced Companion Planting Tips for Eggplants
1. Timing and Succession Planting
Start fast-growing companions like radishes and lettuce early, then transition to eggplants and longer-season herbs.
2. Using Trap Crops
Plant nasturtiums and radishes as sacrificial crops to lure pests away from eggplants.
3. Intercropping for Microclimate Benefits
Plant sunflowers or taller companions to shade young eggplants during heatwaves.
4. Encouraging Beneficial Insects
Grow flowers like yarrow and dill to attract ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
5. Mulching and Ground Cover
Use spinach or lettuce as living mulch to reduce weeds and maintain soil moisture.
Common Issues and How Companion Plants Help
| Problem | Cause | Companion Plant Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flea beetle damage | Common eggplant pest | Nasturtiums, radishes as trap crops |
| Aphids | Sucking insects | Basil, garlic, chives deter aphids |
| Poor pollination | Lack of pollinators | Marigolds, borage, sunflowers attract bees |
| Soil nutrient depletion | Heavy feeding crop | Beans fix nitrogen; compost improves soil |
| Fungal diseases | High humidity, poor airflow | Garlic, oregano repel fungi; proper spacing |
| Weeds | Open soil | Spinach and lettuce as living mulch |
Table of Contents
FAQs: Companion Planting with Eggplants
What are the best herbs to grow with eggplants?
Basil, oregano, thyme, dill, cilantro, and garlic are excellent herbs that repel pests and improve eggplant growth.
Can eggplants grow well with other nightshades?
Peppers and tomatoes share similar requirements and can grow well with eggplants if spaced properly to avoid disease spread.
Which flowers attract pollinators for eggplants?
Marigolds, borage, sunflowers, and nasturtiums are great for attracting bees and butterflies.
How do beans benefit eggplants?
Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for nutrient-demanding eggplants.
Can I plant lettuce or spinach under eggplants?
Yes, these low-growing greens act as living mulch, suppress weeds, and retain soil moisture.
Which plants should I avoid near eggplants?
Fennel and potatoes are generally poor companions as they compete for nutrients or attract similar pests.
How can I naturally control flea beetles on eggplants?
Use trap crops like radishes and nasturtiums, encourage beneficial insects, and interplant repellent herbs.
Do companion plants help with eggplant diseases?
Some herbs like garlic and oregano have antifungal properties that reduce disease risk.
When should I plant companion plants with eggplants
Plant herbs and flowers alongside eggplants at transplanting; fast-growing crops like radishes can be planted earlier.
How far apart should companion plants be spaced?
Spacing varies by plant but generally keep at least 8-12 inches between companions and 18-24 inches between eggplants.
Can companion planting increase eggplant yield?
Yes, improved pest control, pollination, and soil health from companion plants contribute to higher yields.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting with eggplants is a holistic approach that transforms your garden into a thriving ecosystem. By selecting the right mix of herbs, flowers, and vegetables, you reduce pests naturally, improve soil health, and enjoy a more productive and beautiful garden.
Whether you’re a novice or advanced gardener, applying these companion planting principles will lead to healthier eggplants and a more sustainable growing experience.
