Eggplants can grow 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety. Eggplants take 60-80 days to mature depending on the variety. Grow eggplant in full sun. Eggplant is not particular about the soil it grows in but will grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
When to Plant Eggplant
Eggplant is
sensitive to cold (and extreme heat). It grows best where day
temperatures are between 80° and 90°F and night temperatures between 70°
and 80°F. Eggplant is best started indoors (or on a patio if it's warm enough) 6 to 8 weeks before
transplanting into the garden. Do not set eggplants out until daytime temperatures are in the 70° F range.
Starting Eggplant from Seed
I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. This can
increase the amount of seeds that germinate and how quickly they
sprout. Use organic potting soil if you are seed-starting indoors or in
small containers to be transplanted outside. Sow eggplant seed
¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart. Most eggplant seeds germinate in 6-12 days.
How to Plant Eggplant
Thin plants to 6 inches
apart if the weather does not allow transplanting before plants grow 5
to 6 inches tall. Set eggplants into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart.
Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart.
Tips for Growing Eggplant
Do not over
water or allow the soil to dry out. Once the soil has warmed, mulch
around eggplants to retain soil moisture and an even growing
temperature. Eggplants are heavy feeders prepare planting beds with aged
compost and side dress eggplants with compost tea every 2 or 3 weeks
during until the fruit has set.
Eggplant
is easily grown in containers. Plants will grow in pots at least 12
inches across and as deep. Choose a smaller growing variety.
Companion Planting for Eggplants
Plant eggplant with amaranth, beans, peas, spinach,
tarragon, thyme and marigold. Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and
does well with peppers as they like the same growing conditions.
How to prepare those Eggplants
I like to
prepare eggplant by slicing thin rounds, grilling lightly on either
side, drizzled with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. It's SO EASY!!
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4 comments:
Eggplant! Forgotten to add that to my list of things to grow this year. Thanks for the reminder and the howto! Greetings from yes-sunny Brighton!
I love growing eggplant. We never have issues with bugs or wildlife. The only issue is that I'm the one in the family that eats eggplant; no one else does. :(
I LOVE eggplant. I'm going to have to grow some ;)
I love eggplant but have never had much luck growing them in Vermont, I keep trying. Thanks for sharing your post on the HomeAcre Hop. Hope to see you again tomorrow! - Nancy The Home Acre Hop
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