What to Plant with Eggplant

If you're planning to grow eggplant in your garden, you may be wondering what other vegetables or herbs you can plant alongside it to make the most of the available space and promote healthy growth. Here are some suggestions for what to plant with eggplant:

Tomatoes: Eggplant and tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, which means they have similar growing requirements and are often planted together. Tomatoes can provide shade for the eggplant during hot summer days, while the eggplant's foliage can help protect tomatoes from sunscald.

Peppers: Peppers are another nightshade that can be planted with eggplant for the same reasons as tomatoes. Plus, they add some beautiful color to the garden.

Basil: Basil is not only a delicious herb that pairs well with eggplant in the kitchen, but it also has pest-repellent properties that can benefit your eggplant. Plant basil around your eggplant to keep pests like aphids and spider mites at bay.

Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixers, which means they can help replenish the soil with this essential nutrient that eggplants require. They also have shallow roots that won't compete with the eggplant's deep roots.

Lettuce: Lettuce is a great companion plant for eggplant because it has shallow roots and can provide some shade during the hot summer months. Plus, you'll have fresh greens to harvest while your eggplants are growing.

Onions: Onions can help deter pests like aphids and thrips, which can be problematic for eggplants. They also have different root zones than eggplant, so they won't compete for nutrients in the soil.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers are another great companion plant for eggplant because they have shallow roots and can provide some shade. They also attract pollinators to the garden, which can benefit your eggplant's fruit production.

Marigolds: Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, including eggplant. Their scent can help repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies, and they add some beautiful color to the garden.

Zucchini: Zucchini is a relative of the eggplant and has similar growing requirements. Plant them together for an easy-to-care-for garden bed with a variety of summer vegetables.

Sage: Sage is another herb that can help repel pests like cabbage moths and aphids from your eggplant. Plus, it's a tasty addition to many eggplant dishes.

In conclusion, there are many vegetables and herbs that can be planted alongside eggplant to promote healthy growth and deter pests. Try some of these companion plants in your garden this year and enjoy the benefits of a thriving vegetable patch.