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Eggplants can be a little picky in the garden. They need plenty of warmth, nutrients, and growing space to produce a healthy crop. While some plants make great companions, others can create problems by competing for resources, attracting unwanted pests, or slowing down growth.
A poor planting combination can leave eggplants struggling through the season. Some neighboring plants draw the same insects that damage eggplants, while others crowd their roots or compete for the nutrients they need to thrive.
If you want stronger plants and a better harvest, it pays to know which companions to avoid. Here are 9 plants that are best kept away from your eggplants and the reasons they can cause trouble in the garden.
Fennel
Fennel is that housemate who takes your food, hogs the space, and makes everything smell weird – best kept far from your eggplants!
This tall, fern-like plant releases chemicals in the soil that stunt the growth of nearby plants. Fennel does draw in beneficial insects but is best grown in its own space, away from other vegetables.
15 Plants That Can Peacefully Coexist with Fennel
Potatoes
The next three ‘bad’ companions for eggplants all belong to the same plant family – nightshades. Potatoes and eggplants attract similar pests, including Colorado potato beetles, and share susceptibility to diseases like blight.
Tomatoes
Another eggplant relative, heavy-cropping tomatoes, will compete for nutrients in the soil, reducing the overall yield of both plants. They are prone to the same pests and diseases, so growing them together increases the risk of problems.
Peppers
Like tomatoes and potatoes, peppers share susceptibility to similar pests and diseases, making them risky companions for eggplants.
Corn
Corn is a greedy feeder, outcompeting eggplants for vital nitrogen in the soil. Your corn plants may also attract pests such as earworms and aphids that can quickly spread to eggplants.
Brassicas
All types of brassicas, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, will compete with eggplants for nutrients in the soil. And as eggplants are not so vigorous in their growth habit, they’ll unfortunately lose this competition!
Carrots
The long, deep roots of
Beets
Beets can slow down the growth of eggplants by competing for nutrients in the soil. These two crops also prefer different soil conditions and temperatures, making them a poor match.
Strawberries
Fast-growing strawberry plants will compete with eggplants for nutrients and space. Strawberries’ dense, leafy growth can also attract slugs, which can damage young eggplant leaves.
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Companion planting is an age-old gardening method that can help prevent common plant issues and boost crop yields. By using some of the best companion plants for tomatoes, your harvests will be better than ever. Here are the 15 best companion plants for your tomato garden.
Grow Juicier, Tastier Tomatoes with These 15 Companion Plants
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