The leaves and flowers of basil emit a pungent aroma that repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and hornworms. It also attracts pollinating insects and can enhance the flavor of your eggplant harvest.
Marigolds can significantly decrease root-knot nematodes in the soil, boosting eggplant growth and increasing crop yields.
Nasturtiums are the perfect companions for every vegetable garden. This fast-growing plant is a great trap crop, luring aphids and flea beetles away from eggplants.
Bush beans can be grown under taller eggplants as a ground cover, or a row of climbing pole beans can be planted behind each row of eggplants to act as a windbreak.
Low-growing leafy spinach creates ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. It also doesn’t compete heavily for nutrients with eggplants, making it a great pairing.
With shallow roots, fast-growing lettuce grows well alongside eggplants without competing for nutrients. Your leafy lettuces will shade the soil, keeping it cool and moist and suppressing weed growth.
Borage is another must-have in the vegetable garden – this herb attracts bees and other pollinators, which helps improve eggplant fruit production.