10 Best Companion Plants for Eggplant
Introduction
Eggplant is a summer vegetable that belongs to the nightshade family. It grows best infertile soil rich in organic matter. This vegetable is vulnerable to pests such as whiteflies, mealy bugs and aphids.
Practising companion planting is one way to get repel these pests, improve fruit yield and maximize space in your garden. In this article we discuss the best companion plants for eggplant.
Best companion plants for eggplant:
1.Marigold
Marigolds are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance flowering plants. Growing them near your eggplants can help deter pests and attract pollinators. Also, marigolds don’t compete for nutrients with eggplants.
2. Basil
The strong aroma produced by basil can help to repel pests and attract pollinators for your eggplant. Eggplants protect basil from hot temperatures during the summer season. Growing basil near eggplants can help save garden space and increase diversity.
3.Pole beans
Pole beans fix nitrogen in the soil improving soil fertility which helps eggplants. Pole beans use eggplants as a trellis to climb. Growing pole beans near eggplants can help to save garden space.
4.Nasturtium
Nasturtium is commonly grown as a trap crop. Planting nasturtiums at a distance from your eggplants can attract aphids to your nasturtiums and prevent them from attacking your eggplants.
5.Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cool season crop. Planting it earlier before your eggplants can help them to repel aphids, flea beetles and cabbage worms from your eggplants. Eggplants provide the necessary shade kohlrabi needs during the summer season. Kohlrabi can also be harvested sooner.
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6.Oregano
Oregano grows best in warm temperatures. The pungent smell produced by oregano repels spider mites, cabbage moths and aphids. It also helps to attract pollinators and beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Growing oregano helps to improve diversity in your garden.
7.Broccoli
Broccoli helps to deter pests that harm your eggplant. Broccoli also imparts nutrients into the soil which benefits your eggplants. Make sure the soil is fertile when planting broccoli and eggplant together.
8.Radish
Radishes are good companions for eggplants. These roots help to aerate the soil which helps eggplants to grow. Radishes are considered weak feeders so they don’t compete for nutrients with eggplants. Radishes can also be harvested sooner.
9.Thyme
Thyme is a good companion plant for eggplant as it repels pests from your eggplant and helps to improve the fruit flavour. Growing thyme near eggplants can help save space and improve biodiversity.
10.Lettuce
Lettuce have shallow roots and they do not compete for nutrients with eggplants. These leafy vegetables can be harvested sooner as well. Eggplants provide the shade these vegetables require during the summer season.
Conclusion
Companion planting plays a huge role in eggplants growing healthier and giving better yields throughout the season. By growing the right plants near your eggplants you are maximizing space, repelling pests, improving biodiversity and soil health. Growing these plants near your eggplants can benefit both in certain ways.If you found this article helpful don’t forget to like and share. Check out other articles below.
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