Eggplants are a delicious and versatile addition to any kitchen, and they’re relatively easy to grow your own at home

Eggplant (solanum melongena), or Aubergine, is a perennial, warm-season vegetable from the nightshade family. 

Another name for the Eggplant, commonly used on the Continent is the French word ‘Aubergine’. No matter if you call this curious plant an Egg Plant or Aubergine, the general treatment for the Eggplant is the same as what is recommended for growing Capsicum.

Eggplants are a warm-weather crop, so they won’t do well if the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They need full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. If you’re planting them in containers, make sure the pot is at least 12 inches deep. You can start them from seed or buy young plants from a garden center.

Best soil for growing Eggplant

Eggplant prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The best growing tip for Eggplant is to understand because it requires a light, rich, well-drained, sandy, loamy soil and where the ground does not comply with these requirements, Bone Dust and Superphosphate, or better still, rich cow or stable manure, must be added and thoroughly incorporated into the ground to ensure success.

Best time to plant Eggplant

Don’t rush planting seeds. Eggplant grows quick so wait for the warm weather to arrive in your area because except in very warm districts it is useless trying to grow Egg Plants, unless the seedlings are raised under cover in readiness for planting out as soon as the weather permits. If you live in a temperate climate they are better grown in a greenhouse or growing frame than outside.

Eggplant seed

If you’re starting from seed, plant them indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in individual pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and provide plenty of light – a sunny windowsill should do the trick. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them so that only the strongest plant remains in each pot.

Early crops can be raised in a hot bed or seed box kept in a warm position in the house. Sowings under these conditions may be made during Spring, and the plants transplanted out when it’s warm enough. The raising of seedlings in seed boxes is also a very good idea for the Home Gardener. Egg Plants must be put out as early as weather conditions will permit, and require plenty of water and fertiliser. When planting out allow 2 feet between the rows and put the plants 18 inches apart in the rows. When the plants are about 6 inches high, take out the leaders so as to reduce lateral growths. As soon as the fruit is formed, thin out liberally, especially if good size specimens are required. From 8 to 10 fruit is sufficient to leave on one plant.

When it’s time to plant them outdoors, wait until all danger of frost has passed. Harden off the plants for a week or two first by putting them outside during the day and bringing them back inside at night. This will help them acclimate to their new environment and prevent transplant shock.

Eggplants need space to grow – each plant should be about 24 inches apart. You can encourage good air circulation by planting them in rows rather than clusters. Be sure to keep the plants evenly watered throughout the growing season – too much or too little water can both cause problems.

For best results, fertilize your eggplants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for vegetables.

companion plants for eggplant

One way to improve your chances of success with eggplant is to choose companion plants that will help your eggplant thrive. For example, tomatoes and basil are both good companion plants for eggplant. Tomatoes provide shade and help to keep the soil moist, while basil helps to repel pests. In addition, eggplant also benefits from being grown near beans or marigolds. Beans help to fix nitrogen in the soil, while marigolds help to deter pests. By choosing the right companion plants, you can give your eggplant the best possible chance of success.

Watering eggplants

Once planted, ensure that growing eggplants receive regular watering throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells. Fertilizing is also important and should be done two or three times during the growing season. Additionally, watch for signs of pests and diseases such as flea beetles or verticillium wilt, which can be addressed with appropriate treatments.

Growing Eggplant in Containers

If growing in containers, be sure to choose a suitable dwarf or patio type that will fit snugly into available space. Additionally, the soil should be worked deeply prior to planting, removing any stones and incorporating plenty of compost or other organic matter. Make sure to keep weeds at bay as they can compete with growing eggplant for available water and nutrients.

Harvesting your eggplant

As growing eggplant reach maturity, harvest fruits by cutting them from the plant without pulling on the stem. You’ll know your eggplants are ready to harvest when they’re glossy and firm and have reached their full color – usually deep purple or lavender-black. Cut the fruits from the plant with a sharp knife; don’t pull on them or you could damage the plant.

Top Eggplant harvesting tip is make sure to pick when the skin is smooth and shiny – if there are wrinkles the fruit is too old and the flesh will be tough and the seeds woody.

Eggplant stalks are quite tough, be sure to cut them with a pair of secateurs because if the fruit can be damaged or even tear if it’s pulled off by hand.

Eggplant Varieties

When growing eggplant, it is important to look for a variety that is suited to the growing conditions of your area. Eggplants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. The best sorts of Eggplant varieties to grow are Black Beauty, Long White and New York Purple Spineless.

Growing eggplant is an incredibly rewarding experience that can be done in any garden setting. Eggplants are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate and add an interesting flavor to many dishes. Whether growing for the home kitchen or for market sale, this warm-season crop requires good soil preparation and regular care throughout the growing season.

Enjoy your eggplants fresh, grilled, roasted, or breaded and fried! Just remember to remove any bitter seeds before cooking.

tips for growing Eggplant

The best tips for growing Eggplant is to get these five key practices right:

• The Right Soil
• The Right Planting Time
• The Right Plant Position
• The Right Eggplant Variety
• and The Right Harvesting Method…

With proper growing conditions and regular care, growing eggplant can be a successful and rewarding experience.