Can You Plant Tomatoes, Eggplant, and Oranges Together?

Companion planting is a popular gardening technique where different plants are grown together to benefit each other. Gardeners often wonder if tomatoes, eggplant, and oranges can be companions. In this article, you’ll discover whether these plants are compatible and learn about their growing requirements, benefits, challenges, and best practices for planting them together.

Compatibility Analysis

Can you plant tomatoes, eggplant, and oranges together? The short answer is NO. While tomatoes and eggplants can thrive together due to their similar growing requirements, oranges pose a challenge. Here’s why:

• Growth Requirements: Tomatoes and eggplants are both nightshades, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. Oranges, on the other hand, are citrus trees that require more space and can grow quite tall, potentially shading out smaller plants.
• Pest Control: Tomatoes and eggplants can suffer from similar pests like aphids and hornworms, making them suitable companions in terms of pest management. Oranges attract different pests, such as citrus leaf miners, which do not affect nightshades.
• Nutrient Needs: All three plants require nutrient-rich soil, but oranges, as trees, have deeper root systems that can outcompete the smaller plants for nutrients.

Growing Requirements Comparison Table

Benefits of Planting Together

While planting tomatoes, eggplants, and oranges together is not ideal, there are benefits to pairing tomatoes and eggplants:

• Pest Repellent Properties: Both can deter certain pests when planted together.
• Improved Growth: Their similar growth habits and nutrient requirements allow them to complement each other.
• Space Efficiency: Growing these plants together can maximize space in smaller gardens.
• Soil Health: Rotating these crops can help maintain soil health over time.

Potential Challenges

• Resource Competition: Oranges can overshadow and outcompete tomatoes and eggplants for sunlight and nutrients.
• Different Watering Needs: Oranges need less frequent watering than tomatoes and eggplants, complicating irrigation schedules.
• Disease Susceptibility: Tomatoes and eggplants share susceptibility to certain diseases like blight, which oranges do not.
• Practical Solutions: Use separate garden beds or containers for oranges to prevent competition and manage water needs effectively.

Planting Tips & Best Practices

• Optimal Spacing: Keep tomatoes and eggplants 18-24 inches apart. Plant oranges in a separate area with at least 12-25 feet of space.
• Timing: Plant tomatoes and eggplants after the last frost. Oranges should be planted in early spring.
• Container vs. Garden Bed: Consider containers for tomatoes and eggplants to control soil conditions and pests.
• Soil Preparation: Ensure well-draining, nutrient-rich soil for all plants.
• Companion Plants: Basil and marigolds make excellent companions for tomatoes and eggplants, enhancing flavor and deterring pests.

FAQ Section

1. Can you plant tomatoes and eggplants in the same pot?

   • It’s possible but not recommended due to competition for nutrients and space.

2. How far apart should tomatoes and eggplants be planted?

   • Space them 18-24 inches apart for optimal growth.

3. Do tomatoes and eggplants need the same amount of water?

   • Yes, both require regular, consistent watering.

4. What should not be planted with tomatoes and eggplants?

   • Avoid planting them with corn or fennel, which can inhibit their growth.

5. Will tomatoes affect the taste of eggplants?

   • No, they will not affect each other’s taste.

6. When is the best time to plant tomatoes and eggplants together?

   • After the last frost in spring, when the soil has warmed.

By understanding the compatibility and requirements of tomatoes, eggplants, and oranges, gardeners can make informed decisions for a thriving vegetable garden. While oranges may not pair well with the other two, tomatoes and eggplants can certainly complement each other when planted together.