6 eggplant companion plants and what you should avoid

Table of Contents

Companion planting for eggplant is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.

Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of eggplant below.

Companion plants for eggplantEnemy plants of eggplant
CalendulaDill
Marigold
Mint
Pea
Beans
Pepper

Why does companion planting work?

Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:

Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.

Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.

Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.

Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.

Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.

Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.

Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.

What are the companion plants of eggplant?

The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your eggplant. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your eggplant.

Eggplant

Calendula

Calendula thrives in diverse garden settings. Flourishing in well-drained soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies resilience and adaptability. Regular watering and proper spacing encourage prolific flowering and vibrant colors, attracting pollinators and enhancing garden biodiversity.

Calendula is like a little guardian for your eggplants, keeping pesky pests at bay. Its bright blooms attract beneficial insects that love to snack on aphids and other troublemakers that might bother your eggplant. Plus, it adds a pop of color to your garden while doing the hard work of protecting your crop.

Eggplant

Marigold

Marigold flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. Marigold provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.

Marigolds are the ultimate bodyguards for eggplants! Their strong scent confuses and repels pests like nematodes and beetles, keeping eggplant safe from harm. Plus, they bring a cheerful splash of yellow and orange to the garden while working hard behind the scenes to keep troublemakers away.

Eggplant

Mint

Mint thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moist soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its lush foliage and aromatic leaves. Mint provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and promoting a sense of freshness in the garden.

Mint doesn’t just smell good—it also helps eggplant by repelling unwanted bugs like flea beetles, which can wreak havoc on those tender leaves. Its strong scent keeps pests at a distance, and as a bonus, you get fresh mint leaves to use in the kitchen. Just keep it in check because mint loves to spread!

Eggplant

Pea

Peas thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, they embody adaptability and vigor. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and prolific growth. Peas provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility, and promoting overall garden health.

Peas are little soil magicians, pulling nitrogen from the air and putting it into the soil where eggplants can use it. That means stronger, healthier eggplants without extra fertilizer. Plus, peas don’t take up much space, so they play nice without crowding your eggplant’s roots.

Eggplant

Beans

Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.

Just like peas, beans help eggplants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, giving them extra nutrients to grow strong and produce plenty of tasty fruit. Beans also provide some light shade, which can help keep eggplants from getting too stressed on those extra hot days.

Eggplant

Pepper

Peppers expand in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant foliage and prolific fruiting. Peppers provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their pungent compounds, attracting pollinators, and adding diversity to the garden landscape.

Peppers and eggplants come from the same plant family, so they have similar needs when it comes to sunlight, water, and soil. They grow well side by side, making garden planning easy. Plus, they don’t compete too much for nutrients, which means both can thrive without getting in each other’s way.

What are the enemy plants of eggplant?

Planting these plants next to eggplant has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your eggplant. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your eggplant.

Eggplant

Dill

Dill thrives in various soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil under the gentle caress of sunlight, it embodies adaptability and elegance. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support lush growth and abundant foliage. Dill offers general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.

Dill might be a great herb for the kitchen, but it’s no good for your eggplants! As it matures, dill releases compounds that can slow down eggplant growth and make it weaker. Plus, dill attracts certain insects that might end up snacking on your eggplants instead. It’s best to plant dill far away so your eggplants can grow strong and healthy without any trouble.

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