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Eggplant Companion Plants, Planting Guide

Introduction to Eggplant Companion Plants, Planting Tips, and Ideas: Eggplant is a plant that requires a lot of attention and care. Not only does eggplant require a lot of sunlight, but it also requires additional nourishment in addition to what it gets from the soil and regular watering. They are also vulnerable to insect attacks. There are, however, eggplant companion plants that will make the task of growing them a little easier.

Eggplants require a substantial amount of nitrogen, which necessitates the use of additional fertilizer; however, growing eggplant companions such as annual legumes (such as peas and beans) will benefit eggplants by leaching additional nitrogen into the soil. If you’re growing trellised beans or peas, make sure your eggplant is in front of them so it doesn’t get shaded and alternate rows of legumes with rows of eggplant.

A Complete Guide to Eggplant Companion Plants, Planting Tips, Techniques, and Requirements

Eggplant Companion Plants
Eggplant Companion Plants (Image source: pixabay)

Basic Requirements for Growing Eggplant

  • Suitable soil for growing eggplant

Eggplant enjoys sandy loam soils that are well-drained, rich, and have a pH of 5.5 to 7.2. Remove all weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of 6 to 10 inches by tilling it. The higher the organic matter content of the soil, the better, so if at all possible, add a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost.

  • Sunlight requirement for growing eggplant

Full sun, which is defined as a garden area that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day, is required for plants grown for their fruit or roots, such as eggplant. However, keep in mind that no vegetable can grow in a deep, dense shade.

  • Water requirement for growing eggplant

Young plants in hot climates should be watered twice a week to a depth of 12 inches. Because eggplants dislike standing water, they should be irrigated deeply and rarely once they reach maturity.

Overwatered and drought-stricken eggplants finally perish. Overwatered eggplant roots decay, preventing the plants from absorbing water and resulting in withering. Plants that aren’t given enough water wilt, grow slowly, and produce pithy fruits.

  • Suitable fertilizer for growing eggplant

For eggplant, a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is frequently advised. If you feed too much nitrogen at this point, you’ll end up with huge, leafy plants that don’t bear fruit.

Summer fruiting plants like eggplants can benefit from an organic fertilizer side-dressing when they first set fruit and every 4 to 6 weeks after that.

Eggplant is a tasty vegetable that grows well in a variety of conditions. It grows well in hot, humid summers and can yield dozens of pounds of eggplant in a single season. Because the fruit is prone to pest assaults, it’s a great option for companion planting. Let’s discuss eggplant companion plants and how they can assist your eggplant to grow better.

In case if you miss this: How To Grow Organic Lavender.

Requirements for Growing Eggplant
Requirements for Growing Eggplant (pic credit: pixabay)

Top 10 and Best Eggplant Companion Plants

Eggplants are fantastic with companion plants, but keep in mind that they are high-maintenance plants that require not only a lot of sunlight but also add nutrients that aren’t provided by the soil. Companion planting with a few specific species, on the other hand, can assist encourage growth and boosting production.

  • Nightshades

Tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, all nightshade family members, are believed to be excellent eggplant complements. This plant belongs to the same nightshade family as potatoes, and their growing requirements are similar without being competitive. Peppers can help to keep bugs away from eggplants, but you need to be aware of which nightshade species to plant near eggplants.

  • Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are the perfect flower to grow alongside eggplants if you’re looking for something different. These are lovely blooms that keep aphids away. Aphids are attracted to these flowers, which are planted a short distance away from garden produce.

  • Borage

Borage can keep pest worms away from your eggplant plants while also attracting beneficial insects.

  • Broccoli

Broccoli is a great vegetable for eggplants. Eggplants are heavy feeders, meaning they need a lot of nutrients to grow. Broccoli placed near eggplants can assist eggplants to get some nutrients from the soil.

  • Rosemary

The rosemary herb is another fantastic eggplant companion plant. They’re employed to keep potato bugs away from eggplants, and they’re effective. Strongly perfumed herbs are the finest choice, and they can also assist increase the flavor of eggplants.

  • Pole Beans

Pole beans are excellent for eggplants because they leach additional nitrogen into the soil, allowing them to develop.

  • Spinach

Planting eggplants alongside spinach is a good idea. Even though there is no record of both parties benefiting from each other. They’re considered compatible, and they won’t spread any known pests or pathogens to one another.

  • Radish

Radishes, like nasturtiums, attract flea beetles and can be used as a trap plant. They can be planted at a safe distance to eliminate flea beetles from your garden, but this is not recommended if you are not familiar with the trap crop strategy.

  • Mints

Mints are a wonderful accompaniment to eggplants. They help to keep pests at bay by repelling them. Winter mints, peppermints, and spearmints are the best mints to grow alongside eggplants. These plants are simple to grow and can help keep bugs away from your eggplants.

  • Oregano

Oregano is one of the most versatile plants in the garden. Aphids, spider mites, and cabbage moths can be deterred by planting them near eggplants. It also attracts pollinators that are valuable to humans, like honey bees and ladybugs.

What Not to Plant with Eggplants (Top 3 Bad Companion Plants of Eggplant?)

Eggplants are one of the most attractive vegetable garden plants, but poor planning might result in a poor harvest. Companion planting is crucial to keep on the safe side of things. After learning about some of the best and greatest plants(companions) to grow near eggplants, here are a few others you shouldn’t overlook.

  • Fennel

Fennel is another plant that will inhibit the growth of eggplants when planted alongside. Fennel will compete for resources with eggplant and is not a good companion plant for any garden food plant.

  • Corn

Corn is a plant that should not be grown near eggplants. It has the potential to inhibit eggplant growth and attract harmful insects.

  • Geraniums

These plants work well as insect repellents for a variety of plants and are frequently recommended for eggplants. They are, however, hosts to diseases that are easily transmitted to eggplants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eggplant Companion Plants

How about this: Unique Indoor Hanging Plants.

Eggplant
Eggplant (pic source: pixabay)

Is it possible to grow tomatoes and eggplant together?

Yes! Tomatoes and eggplant are both nightshade plants that require comparable growing conditions. Just make sure they have enough space and enough compost or organic stuff.

Is it possible to grow zucchini and eggplant together?

No. Because eggplant and zucchini are heavy feeders, they will compete for soil resources. Although zucchini isn’t very damaging, it can shade out the plant and isn’t the ideal option.

Is it possible to grow lettuce besides eggplant?

You can plant eggplant near your growing lettuce so that it can take over the space after your lettuce harvest. Eggplant is a summer plant that thrives in weather that would be far too hot for healthy lettuce—plant eggplant near your growing lettuce so that it can take over the space after your lettuce harvest.

Is it possible to grow eggplant alongside squash?

Summer squash and eggplant are warm-season vegetables that thrive in full light and well-drained soil. Under comparable conditions, they grow nicely together. Both plants are extremely prolific, and only a few plants are required to yield enough fruit for fresh consumption. Plant a few extras to save for later use or to give to neighbors.

Conclusion

Eggplants are not difficult to grow if you supply them with the proper growing conditions. They prefer a well-drained sandy loam or loam soil and need only a small amount of fertilizer. Companion planting with eggplants will not only assist to avoid dangerous pests but will also provide an additional source of nitrogen for them.

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