you’re able to boost your harvest and keep pests away by choosing the right companions.
Consider Trap Crops
One way to minimize pests is to plant a trap crop.
For instance, radishes can attract flea beetles away from eggplant seedlings.
Credit:Carson Downing
(The radishes should be planted first in cool temperatures before you transplant eggplant).
Marigolds
French marigoldscan help repel several common eggplant pests, including nematodes.
Because bush beans stay smaller than vining bean varieties, they are also less likely to overwhelm your eggplants.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Whendill is allowed to grow, it can be absolutely irresistible to parasitic wasps and other beneficial insects.
These insects will feed on armyworms and other pests and help keep your eggplants looking their best.
When planted near your eggplants, borage can help boost pollination rates and increase your harvest.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiumis another fantastic pollinator plant that can help boost your eggplant yields.
Bees adore oregano flowers and sowing this herb near your eggplants can increase your vegetable harvest.
In the kitchen, the flavors of oregano and eggplant pair beautifully together in such classic dishes aseggplant Parmesan.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
When paired with eggplants, wormwood can keep pesky flea beetles away.
Growing Eggplant in the Vegetable Garden.
Fairfax County Master Gardeners.
Credit:Robert Cardillo
Mousaei Sanjerehei, Mohammad.
Mixed Cropping with Companion Crops.
Yazd, Iran, Tafakkor Talaei, 2023.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Growing French marigolds for companion planting.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
Credit:Scott Little
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Credit:Denny Schrock
Credit: Robert Cardillo
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
