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.
Eggplant is considered a "heavy feeder" so it is a good idea to add homemade compost and/or organic soil amendments to your garden prior to planting. One option is to feed with Organic Alfalfa Meal Tea.
Eggplant is considered a "heavy feeder" so it is a good idea to add homemade compost and/or organic soil amendments to your garden prior to planting. One option is to feed with Organic Alfalfa Meal Tea.
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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