For raised beds and in-ground gardens, mix in generous amounts of organic matter like:įor in-ground gardens or established raised beds, it’s a good idea to do a soil pH test. If you want to grow eggplant in a container, use potting soil or a homemade soil blend with drainage-enhancing materials like sand or perlite. So don’t plant eggplant in areas that are low-lying or where water pools. Choose a container that’s at least a 5-gallon capacity, but 7 to 10 gallons is preferable.įor a raised bed or garden plot, trim back overhanging tree branches or shrubs, and be sure not to plant any tall garden plants where they’ll block your eggplant’s light.Įggplants absolutely must have well-draining soil– they hate sitting in stagnant water. For me, that’s a narrow strip of sunlight right in front of my backyard fence. If all the seedlings available have flowers or buds, pinch them off to divert your plant’s energy to leaf and root development.Ĭhoose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun every day.Ĭontainers are easier for this- just move them into whatever sunny spot you have available. Pass over any that are already flowering- these are premature flowers that happen from stress. Look for ones with lots of healthy branches and leaves. If you live in a hot climate with a long growing season, you can direct sow your seeds once the temperature consistently stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).Īnother option is to purchase young eggplant seedlings from a local nursery in the spring- they should be ready for planting right away. Eggplants are slow to germinate and get established, so 8-10 weeks before your area’s last predicted frost date should be a good timeframe. I live in the Midwest, so I need to start my seeds well before the warm spring days finally show up. When to Plantĭepending on where you live, you may have to start your eggplant seeds indoors in the late winter or early spring. If you’ve got a larger space for growing eggplant (at least 4 x 4 feet) you can choose any variety you like! How to Plant Eggplant: 5 StepsĪ good beginning is key to successfully growing eggplant- here’s how to get the best start possible. I personally like the Rosita variety for containers, and Hansel, Gretel, and Fairytale are also good choices. If you choose a small variety, eggplant makes a great container crop in a raised bed or large pot. And that comes into play when deciding which ones to plant in your garden. Some varieties grow to a large size, while others are more compact. Most well-known eggplant varieties are purple and have a bulbous shape, but they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. There are over a dozen different eggplant varieties, including Italian, Indian, and Japanese varieties. Natural History Museum states that eggplant originally came from northeast Africa before making its way into Asia, where it became a cultivated crop. Eggplant BackgroundĮggplant, also known as aubergine or brinjal, belongs to the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Harvesting Time: Once eggplants have a deep color and glossy skin, use a sharp knife or garden shears to carefully cut them from the plant, leaving a short stem attached.If needed, use natural pest control methods. Pest and Disease Management: Look your eggplants over regularly for early signs of pests and keep the garden free of weeds.Fertilize Your Plants: Apply compost or organic fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season.Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Watering Wisely: Maintain a consistent watering routine and give 1.5 to 2 inches of water weekly.Planting Process: Once the seedlings are 6 to 8 inches tall, transplant them into the garden, ensuring each seedling is placed in a hole, backfilled with soil, and thoroughly watered.Prepare the Soil: Remove weeds and work organic matter into the soil to enhance fertility and structure.Find the Perfect Spot: Eggplant needs 6+ hours of sun exposure daily and well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.Wait for the soil temperature to reach a minimum of 60☏ (15☌) before planting seedlings outdoors. Timing is Key: Start eggplant seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost.Choose a dwarf variety if you plan to grow eggplant in a container. Choose the Right Variety: Some varieties of eggplant can get very large- up to 4 feet across.If you’re in a hurry, here’s a brief overview of the main points of how to grow eggplant in your garden: Do you need two eggplants to produce fruit?.How long does it take to grow an eggplant?.Frequently Asked Questions about Growing Eggplant. Potential Problems with Growing Eggplant.
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