What to Plant Next to Brinjal | Best Companion Plants for Brinjal

May 2023

If you're a gardener looking to grow brinjal, it's important to know that these plants can benefit from the presence of other plants around them. Companion planting is a gardening technique where plants that grow well together are planted in close proximity to one another, which can help improve growth, reduce pests, and increase yields. In this blog post, we'll explore the best companion plants for brinjal and what to plant next to them to help ensure a successful and fruitful harvest. From herbs and flowers to vegetables and fruits, there are many options to choose from that can help your brinjal thrive. So, let's get started and learn how to create a harmonious garden ecosystem for your brinjal!

A guide to companion planting for brinjal:

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are a great companion plant for brinjal. Not only do they look beautiful together, but marigolds are known to repel pests from the area, helping to protect your brinjal plants from any insects or other critters that may want to nibble on them. Marigolds also help to improve soil nutrition, and the flowers release a scent that can reduce the presence of aphids, helping to keep your brinjal healthy and happy.

2. Tomatoes

Tomato plants are another great companion plant for brinjal. They can help to improve the flavor of the brinjal, as well as attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate other plants in your garden. Tomatoes also act as a natural insect repellent, which helps protect your brinjal from unwanted pests.

3. Beans

Beans are a perfect companion plant for brinjal because they can help to improve soil quality. The nitrogen-fixing properties of beans can help to enrich the soil, providing essential nutrients that will help your brinjal to thrive. In addition, beans will attract pollinators that can help with fruit production.

Companion Plants for Brinjal

4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for brinjal. They offer multiple benefits to the garden, including pest control, soil enrichment, and even edible flowers. Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects like lacewings, hoverflies, and ladybugs which prey on the pests that feed on brinjal. The nectar-rich flowers also attract pollinators like bees, which will help your brinjal to produce more fruits.

5. Basil

Basil is another great companion plant for brinjal. Not only do they look great together, but basil has a strong scent that can repel pests, helping to keep your brinjal safe from any critters that may want to feed on them. In addition, basil helps to improve the flavor of brinjal and other vegetables in the garden.

6. Sunflower

Sunflower is a great companion plant for brinjal. Sunflowers are tall and their large, sun-facing flowers provide plenty of shade for the brinjal plants’ foliage in hot climates. Sunflowers also attract beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs that can help increase pollination and reduce pest populations in the garden. Additionally, sunflowers are known to improve soil quality, offering essential nutrients to the surrounding plants.

7. Amaranth

Amaranth is a great companion for brinjal in the garden. This fast-growing annual plant has a long flowering season and provides an abundance of nutritious leaves and grain. It can act as a living mulch, providing shade to the soil and helping to conserve moisture around its brinjal companion plants. Amaranth also attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and bees, helping to ensure good pollination and a successful harvest.

8. Spinach

Spinach is a great companion plant for brinjal, as it helps to repel pests and provides shade for the brinjal's delicate leaves. Additionally, spinach has shallow roots that won't compete with the brinjal's deep-reaching roots. Spinach also provides a range of health benefits when eaten in salads or on its own. Plus, it matures quickly so it can be harvested before the brinjal harvest season.

9. Pole Beans

Pole beans are a great companion plant for brinjal. The pole beans will provide some natural shade to the brinjal, which can help keep it from getting too hot in direct sunlight. Additionally, beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning that they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by other plants in the garden. This makes them great partners for brinjal, as they can help to enrich the soil and improve overall yields.

10. Garlic

Garlic is a great companion plant for brinjal. It helps to deter pests and increases the overall health of the soil, which in turn helps protect the brinjal from diseases. Garlic also produces a strong aroma that can mask the scent of brinjal, which makes it harder for pests to track down their favorite food. Additionally, garlic can help to repel aphids and spider mites, which are common pests of brinjal.

11. Onions

Onions are considered to be great companion plants when it comes to growing brinjal. Onions have abilities to repel common pests such as aphids and flea beetles, which can be very destructive to brinjal crops. Planting onions near brinjal can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies that help protect the crop from more damaging species of pests. Onions also help to improve soil fertility, making it more conducive to healthy plant growth.

companion planting

12. Lettuce

Lettuce is a great companion plant to brinjal because it helps to repel some of the pests that feed on brinjal. Planting lettuce next to brinjal can also provide shade and cool temperatures that can help keep the delicate leaves of the brinjal from wilting in the heat. Lettuce also has shallow roots which won’t compete with the deep-reaching roots of the brinjal. Plus, it can be harvested before the brinjal harvest season.

13. Peppers

Peppers make great companion plants for brinjal because they share many of the same needs. Both vegetables prefer full sun and warm conditions, so planting them together can help create a microclimate that benefits both crops. They also have similar pest and disease resistance, so growing them together can reduce the chances of any one plant becoming overly infested or diseased. Additionally, peppers are pollinated by the same insects as brinjal, so planting them together can help ensure good pollination.

In conclusion, choosing the right companion plants for your brinjal can have a significant impact on the overall health and productivity of your garden. By considering factors like insect populations, beneficial predators, pest management, crop yields, cover crops, and pest protection, you can create a garden ecosystem that maximizes the benefits of companion planting. Whether you're dealing with pesky pests or looking to improve soil health, incorporating companions like cruciferous crops or legume crops can help you achieve your gardening goals. So, don't underestimate the power of companion planting – with a little planning and effort, you can create a thriving garden that produces healthy and delicious brinjal while also benefiting the wider ecosystem.