Try growing eggplants in raised beds , which heat up quickly in spring. Plants given plenty of room are healthier and more productive, so space them 2½ to 3 feet apart in all directions. Water well, pour 1 to 2 cups of compost around each plant, and firm the soil gently. Eggplants are also good for container growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot.
Give eggplants a head start on the growing season by starting them indoors, six to nine weeks before the average last frost. Mulch immediately after transplanting, and gently hand pull any invading weeds. Interplant an early crop, such as lettuce, between the eggplant transplants. Flea beetles, which chew many tiny holes in leaves, are eggplant’s worst pest. Pick eggplant when the skin takes on a high gloss. To test, press the skin. If the indentation doesn’t spring back, that fruit is ready for harvest.
Moreover, how do you grow an eggplant from seed?
Eggplants are quite happy in containers, but choose plants with smaller fruit , such as ‘White Star’ or Lebanese eggplants. Choose a pot at least 300mm wide and deep and position in full sun. Fill pot with a quality potting mix, like Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter., and sow seeds.
Some believe that eggplant scraps (mainly seeds) can be used to plant new eggplants. Simply cut off a few pieces that contain seeds of the eggplant you are planning to cook and set it aside. These pieces can be directly planted in containers . Simply place the pieces in the pot and cover it with potting mix. Place this planter in full sun and water it regularly.
How do you grow eggplant in a 5 gallon pot?
Water well, pour 1 to 2 cups of compost around each plant, and firm the soil gently. Eggplants are also good for container growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot. Mulch immediately after transplanting, and gently hand pull any invading weeds. Interplant an early crop, such as lettuce, between the eggplant transplants.
Our answer is warm the soil in advance of planting by laying black plastic over planting beds for two weeks. Transplant eggplants into the garden 2 to 3 weeks after the last spring frost. Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and half again as deep. Moisten the hole before transplanting.
How much space do eggplants need to grow?
Plants given plenty of room are healthier and more productive, so space them 2½ to 3 feet apart in all directions. Water well, pour 1 to 2 cups of compost around each plant, and firm the soil gently. Eggplants are also good for container growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot .
Can eggplants grow in cold soil?
Eggplants growing in cold soil or exposed to chilly weather will sulk and potentially suffer from insect and disease problems. Give eggplants a head start on the growing season by starting them indoors, six to nine weeks before the average last frost.
Is eggplant a good plant to grow at home?
With its deep-purple hue, the venerable eggplant is a great plant to grow in your home garden. While the warm-weather vegetable has a long growing season, it’ll be worth the wait once you make a perfect eggplant parmesan with the fruits of your labor.