Eggplant is slow to become established and cannot compete with aggressive weeds. Weeds also harbor damaging insects and diseases.

Weeds are controlled either by physical methods or chemical control. Physical methods, such as hand weeding, cultivation, and mulching are quite common in small vegetable farms. Only shallow cultivation is necessary. Mulching with black plastic mulch effectively controls weeds and reduces labor needs. Natural organic mulches, such as rice straw, will conserve moisture and add organic matter to the soil.

Chemical weed control is especially popular in places where labor is expensive. Suitable herbicides include Lasso, Enide, and Sencor.