Growing eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a great way to add color and flavor to your garden. Eggplants are fun plants to grow, but they can be tricky to care for if you don’t know how to grow eggplants successfully.
Eggplant requires warm temperatures.
Eggplant requires warm temperatures to grow. It does not grow well in cold climates, and it’s best to plant eggplant during the late spring or summer.
If you live in an area that experiences cool summers, you can still grow eggplant by placing a plastic covering over your plants until they produce fruit.
Eggplant can also be grown indoors if you have an area with high humidity and plenty of light.
Eggplant can be started from seed indoors or outdoors.
A good way to grow eggplants is from seed, which can be purchased at your local garden store or online.
Eggplant seeds should be planted indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area—this means different things depending on where you live.
Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service office to find out what this date is for you and then plan accordingly.
Once they’re ready to go outside (after the danger of frost has passed), you’ll want to plant them 1/2″ deep in rich soil that receives full sun exposure during the day. Water regularly until they’re established.
Eggplants grown in containers should be fertilized frequently.
For best results, fertilize your eggplants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro Vegetable and Herbs Plant Food.
This slow-release formula will help your plants grow strong roots and healthy foliage, which will make them more resistant to insect attacks and diseases. Look for this product at Walmart, Home Depot or buy it online at Amazon.
If you notice that your eggplant plants are being eaten by pests or afflicted with disease, try spraying them with neem oil.
This natural product is derived from the seed kernels of the neem tree, which has long been used in India to control pest infestations on crops.
Neem oil will help keep insects and other critters away from your eggplants, so they can grow strong and produce a healthy harvest.
Eggplants need plenty of water during their growing season.
Like most plants, eggplants love water. But unlike many other plants, they need a lot of it–almost daily during their growing season.
Eggplants can wilt when they get too dry and will never produce fruit unless they’re watered regularly. In very hot weather, you may have to water several times a day if your soil is sandy or drains quickly.
The ideal time to water is just before sunset when the sun starts going down; this helps prevent disease and keeps roots cool as well as warm air circulating through them all night long.
Harvest eggplants when they reach 2-4″ in diameter.
If you want to grow eggplant indoors, it’s best to start them early. The seeds need to be kept warm and moist until they germinate and become seedlings that can go outside.
If you don’t have the luxury of starting them indoors, sow your seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed, or transplant seedlings from pots outdoors once temperatures remain consistently above 50°F (10°C).
Eggplant is a warm-weather vegetable and will not grow well if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
To start your plants, sow seeds 1/2-inch deep in small pots filled with seed starting mix or potting soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate; then water regularly as needed to keep it moist but not soggy.
Growing eggplant is easy and delicious.
Growing eggplants is a great way to add variety to your diet. This vegetable has a rich, earthy flavor that goes well with many types of cuisine. It’s also an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C and folate.
You can grow eggplants in your garden year round if you live in warm climates; or you can plant them indoors during the winter months if you live in a cooler climate.
If you’re growing indoors, it’s best to start seeds early so they have time to mature before the first frost hits.
The soil temperature should be at least 70 degrees F before planting–you can use a soil thermometer for this purpose or simply wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors (check with local weather reports).
Eggplant plants grow best when planted in full sun; however they will tolerate partial shade as well if necessary.
Conclusion
With these tips, you’ll be growing eggplants in no time. Remember that eggplant is a warm weather plant and needs lots of sunlight.
If you live in an area with cool summers, grow your eggplant indoors until it reaches the proper size for transplanting outside. Make sure to water your plants frequently during their growing season so they don’t wilt from lack of moisture.
