Best Herbs To Plant With Eggplant For A Pestfree Garden

July 02, 2023 Post a Comment

Title:Best Herbs to Plant with Eggplant for a Pest-Free Garden

Introduction:

Eggplants are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. However, they can be susceptible to pests, such as aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites. Planting companion herbs with eggplant can help to repel these pests and keep your garden pest-free.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best herbs to plant with eggplant. We will also provide some tips on how to plant and care for these herbs, so that you can enjoy a pest-free eggplant harvest.

Main Content:

Herbs that Repel Pests

There are a number of herbs that have strong scents that can repel pests. These herbs include:

Marigolds: Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, including eggplant. They have a strong scent that repels pests such as aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies.
Dill: Dill is another herb with a strong scent that can repel pests. It is especially effective at repelling aphids, cabbage moths, and spider mites.
Oregano: Oregano is a flavorful herb that is also a good insect repellent. It is effective at repelling aphids, cabbage moths, and spider mites.
Chives: Chives have a strong scent that can repel pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and spider mites. They also add flavor to eggplant dishes.
Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that can repel pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and spider mites. It also helps to improve the flavor of eggplant.

Herbs that Attract Beneficial Insects

In addition to repelling pests, some herbs also attract beneficial insects. These insects help to control pests by eating them or laying their eggs on them. Beneficial insects that can be attracted to herbs planted with eggplant include:

Ladybugs: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids. They can help to keep aphid populations in check.
Hoverflies: Hoverflies are also predators of aphids. They are especially effective at controlling aphid populations in late summer and early fall.
Parasitic wasps: Parasitic wasps lay their eggs on the bodies of caterpillars. The wasp larvae then hatch and eat the caterpillar from the inside out.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Companion Herbs

When planting companion herbs with eggplant, it is important to choose herbs that have similar growing requirements. For example, all of the herbs listed above prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

It is also important to plant the herbs close enough to the eggplant so that their scents can reach the pests. However, you don't want to plant the herbs too close, as this could crowd the eggplant.

Once the herbs are planted, it is important to care for them properly. This includes watering them regularly, fertilizing them as needed, and keeping them free of weeds.

Conclusion

By planting companion herbs with eggplant, you can help to keep your garden pest-free and enjoy a bountiful harvest. The herbs listed above are just a few of the many herbs that can be planted with eggplant. With a little research, you can find the perfect herbs to complement your eggplant plants.

There are many herbs that can be planted with eggplant to improve its flavor and protect it from pests. Some of the most popular eggplant companion herbs include:

Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong scent that can repel insects, such as aphids and cabbage moths. It can also improve the flavor of eggplant.
Chamomile: Chamomile has a calming effect on insects, which can help to deter them from attacking eggplant. It can also improve the flavor of eggplant.
Lavender: Lavender has a strong scent that can repel insects, such as mosquitoes and flies. It can also improve the flavor of eggplant.
Sage: Sage has a strong scent that can repel insects, such as spider mites and whiteflies. It can also improve the flavor of eggplant.
Dill: Dill has a strong scent that can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies. These insects can help to control pests that attack eggplant.

For more information about eggplant companion herbs, please visit Home Gardening.

FAQ of eggplant companion herbs

What are some herbs that grow well with eggplant?
There are many herbs that grow well with eggplant, but some of the most popular include:
- Chives: Chives are a great companion plant for eggplant because they help to repel pests and attract pollinators.
- Dill: Dill is another herb that helps to repel pests and attract pollinators. It also helps to improve the flavor of eggplant.
- Oregano: Oregano is a strong-scented herb that helps to repel pests. It also helps to improve the flavor of eggplant.
- Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that helps to repel pests and attract pollinators. It also helps to improve the flavor of eggplant.
- Sage: Sage is a strong-scented herb that helps to repel pests. It also helps to improve the flavor of eggplant.
What are some herbs that should not be planted near eggplant?
There are a few herbs that should not be planted near eggplant, including:
- Catnip: Catnip can actually stunt the growth of eggplant.
- Marigolds: Marigolds can attract nematodes, which can damage eggplant roots.
- Potatoes: Potatoes can harbor the same pests as eggplant, so it's best to avoid planting them near each other.
How do herbs help eggplant?
Herbs can help eggplant in a number of ways, including:
- Repellent: Some herbs, such as chives, dill, oregano, rosemary, and sage, have strong scents that can repel pests. This can help to protect eggplant from insect damage.
- Attractants: Other herbs, such as chamomile and lavender, attract pollinators. This can help to increase pollination, which can lead to a better crop yield.
- Improve flavor: Some herbs, such as oregano and rosemary, can help to improve the flavor of eggplant. This is because they have complementary flavors that can enhance the taste of eggplant dishes.
How far apart should eggplant and companion herbs be planted?
The exact distance between eggplant and companion herbs will vary depending on the size of the plants. However, a good rule of thumb is to plant them about 1-2 feet apart. This will give the plants enough space to grow and thrive.

Image of eggplant companion herbs

Rosemary: Rosemary is a strongly scented herb that repels insects, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. It also helps to improve the flavor of eggplant.
Chamomile: Chamomile is another strongly scented herb that repels insects. It also helps to improve the drainage of soil, which is beneficial for eggplants.
Lavender: Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that also repels insects. It can help to keep your eggplant plants healthy and pest-free.
Sage: Sage is a versatile herb that can be used in cooking or in teas. It also helps to repel insects and improve the flavor of eggplant.
Dill: Dill is a flavorful herb that can be used in salads, pickles, and other dishes. It also helps to repel insects and attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.
Marjoram: Marjoram is a flavorful herb that can be used in cooking or in teas. It also helps to repel insects and improve the flavor of eggplant.
Catnip: Catnip is a herb that is known for attracting cats, but it also has benefits for eggplants. It helps to repel insects and improve the flavor of eggplant.
Thyme: Thyme is a flavorful herb that can be used in cooking or in teas. It also helps to repel insects and improve the flavor of eggplant.
Basil: Basil is a flavorful herb that can be used in cooking or in salads. It also helps to repel insects and attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.