Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are a delicious and versatile vegetable to grow in your garden.
But, like all plants, they’ll thrive best with a little help from their friends.
So, let’s explore 15 fantastic companion plants that will support your eggplants and create a thriving garden environment!
Grab your gardening gloves and let’s dig in!
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, and eggplants are no exception.
Their vibrant flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while their strong scent can deter pests like aphids and nematodes.
Marigolds can also help suppress weeds, providing additional benefits for your eggplant plants.
Plant marigolds around your eggplant bed or interplant them to create a colorful and pest-resistant garden space.
2. Basil
Basil is not only a delicious and aromatic herb to grow in your garden but also a fantastic companion for eggplants.
Its strong scent can help repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms, protecting your eggplant plants from damage.
Basil can also attract beneficial insects like bees, which can help pollinate your other garden plants.
Additionally, some gardeners believe that basil can improve the flavor of eggplants when planted nearby.
So, by interplanting basil with your eggplants, you can create a more resilient garden ecosystem and enjoy a tastier harvest.
3. Beans
Beans make great eggplant companions for several reasons.
First, they help enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, which in turn benefits eggplant growth.
Both bush and pole bean varieties can be grown alongside eggplants without competing for resources.
In addition, beans can help deter certain pests that may be attracted to eggplant plants.
Planting beans with your eggplants will not only boost soil fertility but also yield a delicious, nutrient-rich harvest that pairs perfectly with your homegrown eggplants.
4. Peppers
Peppers and eggplants are both members of the nightshade family, and they can make excellent garden buddies.
These two plants have similar growing requirements and can be interplanted to make the most of your garden space.
Peppers can also help deter some pests, such as spider mites, that might otherwise damage your eggplants.
In addition, their bright colors and varied shapes can add visual interest to your garden.
Plant peppers alongside your eggplants for a diverse and thriving garden that will reward you with a flavorful harvest.
5. Spinach
Spinach is a cool-season crop that can make an excellent companion for eggplants.
Its shallow root system doesn’t compete with eggplant roots for nutrients and water, making it an ideal partner in the garden.
Spinach can also help suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion by covering the soil with its broad leaves.
Plus, spinach can benefit from the shade provided by taller eggplant plants, keeping the spinach leaves cool and preventing them from bolting prematurely.
Plant spinach near your eggplants to create an efficient and productive garden bed.
6. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are not only a stunning addition to your garden but also a beneficial companion for eggplants.
Their tall stalks can provide support for eggplant plants, helping them grow strong and sturdy.
Additionally, sunflowers attract a variety of pollinators and beneficial insects, which can help maintain a balanced and thriving garden ecosystem.
Their bright blooms also add a cheerful touch to your garden space.
Plant sunflowers near your eggplants for a beautiful and supportive garden partnership.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are beautiful, edible flowers that make excellent companions for eggplants.
Their bright blooms can help attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while also acting as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from your eggplant plants.
Nasturtiums can also help deter pests like whiteflies, further protecting your garden from unwanted visitors.
Plant nasturtiums near your eggplants for a stunning and functional garden addition that will reward you with vibrant blooms and peppery-flavored leaves for your culinary creations.
8. Chives
Chives are a tasty, aromatic herb that can help protect your eggplant patch from unwanted pests.
The strong scent of chives can deter aphids and other insects that might otherwise damage your eggplants.
In addition, chives help attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps, which can help keep pest populations in check.
Chives can also improve the flavor of eggplants when planted nearby.
So, by interplanting chives with your eggplants, you can create a more resilient garden ecosystem and enjoy a tastier harvest.
9. Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a beautiful flower with numerous benefits as an eggplant companion plant.
Its bright, cheerful flowers can attract pollinators and beneficial insects, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Calendula can also help deter pests like aphids and whiteflies, protecting your eggplant plants from damage.
In addition, calendula has been known to improve the flavor of nearby vegetables, including eggplants.
Plant calendula alongside your eggplants for a gorgeous and beneficial addition to your garden.
10. Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that pairs well with eggplants in the garden.
Its shallow root system won’t compete with eggplant roots for water and nutrients.
Lettuce can also help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture by shading the ground with its leaves.
In return, eggplants can provide some shade to lettuce, helping to keep it cool and prevent bolting.
Plant lettuce near your eggplants for a mutually beneficial garden partnership.
11. Dill
Dill is a fragrant herb that makes a great companion plant for eggplants.
Its strong scent can help repel pests like aphids and spider mites, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Dill can also help improve the flavor of eggplants when planted nearby.
Plant dill alongside your eggplants for a fragrant, flavorful, and pest-resistant garden.
12. Oregano
Oregano is another aromatic herb that can benefit your eggplant plants.
Its strong scent can deter pests like aphids and whiteflies, keeping your eggplants safe and healthy.
Oregano can also attract beneficial insects like bees, which can help pollinate your other garden plants.
In the kitchen, oregano and eggplants can be combined in a variety of dishes, offering a delightful mix of flavors that will surely impress your taste buds.
13. Radishes
Radishes are a quick-growing, hardy root vegetable that can make an excellent companion for eggplants.
Their ability to break up compacted soil can help improve drainage and aeration for your eggplant plants, promoting healthy root growth.
Radishes can also act as a trap crop for pests, drawing insects like flea beetles away from your eggplants.
Plant radishes near your eggplants to create a more resilient garden and enjoy the added bonus of a crunchy, peppery harvest.
14. Tarragon
Tarragon is a fragrant, hardy herb that can be an excellent companion for eggplant plants.
Its strong aroma can help deter pests like aphids and whiteflies, protecting your eggplant plants from damage.
Tarragon also attracts beneficial insects, promoting a balanced and healthy garden ecosystem.
Some gardeners believe that tarragon can enhance the flavor of eggplants when planted nearby, offering an added culinary benefit.
Plant tarragon alongside your eggplants to create a more resilient and flavorful garden.
15. Borage
Borage is an attractive flowering herb that has multiple benefits when grown alongside eggplants.
Its star-shaped flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, helping to keep your garden ecosystem in balance.
Borage can also deter pests like hornworms, which can be problematic for eggplants.
In addition, borage leaves are rich in nutrients and can be used as a mulch or added to your compost pile.
Plant borage near your eggplants for a beautiful, beneficial, and nutrient-rich garden companion.
Final Thoughts
Growing eggplants with the right companion plants can make a world of difference in your garden.
By choosing plants that help repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and enhance the flavor of your eggplants, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving, delicious, and gorgeous garden space.
Remember, gardening is all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to mix and match companion plants until you find the perfect combination for your eggplants.
Now go out there and create your very own eggplant oasis, and don’t forget to share your successes (and any tasty eggplant recipes) with your fellow gardeners!