Aubergines are an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine. Hobby gardeners and self-caterers have also developed a taste for it. However, as nightshades, they do not suit everyone. Find out here which varieties should be in the bed next to eggplants and which should not be.
Which partner plants go well with eggplants and which don't?
Aubergines (Solanum melongena) are nightshade plants and heavy feeders. They shouldnever be planted next to other nightshade plants (e.g. tomatoes, potatoes or peppers) and heavy feeders (zucchini, pumpkin). Otherwise, diseases and pests will spread more quickly. Good partner plants are all types of cabbage, salads and beans.
What are the best bed neighbors for eggplants?
Naturally he althy eggplant plants (also called eggplants) thrive optimally in a mixed culture. Eggplants are heavy eaters, so they need a lot of nutrients, and are best placed next to weak eaters. Good partner plants for eggplants are:
- Types of cabbage (cauliflower, kohlrabi, broccoli)
- Salads (lettuce, lettuce)
- Beans
- Spinach
Plant a variety of different suitable vegetables. The plants need different nutrients and are therefore not in competition with each other. They also have varying degrees of resistance to harmful pathogens and parasites. In a mixed culture, the plants protect each other, even in pots or raised beds.
Which plants should eggplants not be planted next to?
Aubergines are nightshade plants. They should never be near othernightshade plants, especially in the greenhouse. These include:
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Peppers
If these are too close together, diseases such as mildew and pests can spread particularly easily and the harvest is at risk.
In addition, you should not plantrampant plants directly next to eggplants. Eggplants are heavy feeders and grow a little slower at the beginning. Plants that quickly become sprawling can rob the eggplant of valuable nutrients and space. These include plants like:
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
What should I consider when growing aubergines in a mixed culture?
Plantno monocultures in your beds. This applies to the eggplant as to all other plants. In monocultures, diseases and pests have a very easy time and spread over large areas. To protect your crops, you often have to use chemical protection products in monocultures. This reduces the quality of your fruit and harms the environment. In addition, monocultures require an increased addition of fertilizers. Since everyone needs the same nutrients, this severely depletes the soil and the eggplant plants compete.
Tip
Never plant eggplants in the same place next year
When growing eggplants, pay attention to the annual crop rotation. You should never plant them in the same spot in consecutive years. Since eggplants are heavy feeders, they have already extracted all the nutrients from the soil and hardly leave anything left for the next eggplant plants. In addition, there may be pests or fungi in the soil that could immediately attack young plants.