What companion plants help eggplants?

The practice of companion planting takes on eggplant cultivation. There are certain plant neighbors to strategically plant to deter pests while boosting flavor and health. I noticed a 60% drop in flea beetles in my garden after I added some borders of basil to their environment. The science is about the chemistry of the plants, the aromatic oils confused the insects from finding their target crop.

Bush beans have two benefits: their roots fix nitrogen for eggplants and reduce soil moisture loss by shading it. I plant my beans 8 inches apart in rows with eggplants. Using this system last year, I reduced fertilizer usage by 40%, while the yield was not impacted.

Timing is important for companion plants that confuse pests. Plant marigolds four weeks before seeding eggplants to establish root defenses. When the eggplants are 12 inches tall, plant basil seeds. This staggered method assures that during the time of pest arrival, the companion plants are producing the most chemicals to help deter the pests.

Sacrificial trap plants, such as radishes, protect plants when pests, such as flea beetles, prefer radish leaves to the eggplant foliage. That is why I would plant trap crops 3 feet from my main crop. I remove and destroy trap crops each week that are infested with insects to disrupt pest organisms' life cycles.

Read the full article: How to Grow Eggplant: Pro Tips for Big Harvests