11/28/2023 0 Comments Eggplant seed starting![]() ![]() For the best fruit production, the plants need at least two months of nighttime temperatures of 70F. Eggplants prefer full sun plants grown in partial shade may not fruit at peak levels. Good supplements of calcium include Kelzyme, oystershell lime, and limestone. Eggplants require a lot of calcium deficiencies can lead to problems such as blossom end rot. Your garden should have fertile soil with balanced nutrients, and a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Select a site where you have not grown eggplants, tomatoes, tomatillos or potatoes for at least two years. If a cold snap is in the forecast after you move your eggplants outdoors, you will need to protect them from the chill ( read this to learn how to protect your plants). The soil temperature should be 60F, with no risk of frost. They should be hardened off and planted outdoors at the same time as tomatoes, to which they are related. Moving Eggplants OutdoorsĮggplants are warm season vegetables. Eggplant seeds grow best when kept warm on a heat mat. Seeds started indoors should be grown under a strong light source and kept at 80 to 85F. Water frequently with a fine spray nozzle: eggplants do not tolerate drying out. Plant your seeds 1/4 inch deep in small pots using a seed-starting mix such as our Quickroot. They do not tolerate cold temperatures, and can only be sown directly outdoors in warm areas that do not experience spring frosts and where the soil temperature is above 60F. Planting Your SeedsĮggplants should be started indoors at least 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost some gardeners plant their eggplants as much as 10 weeks early to give their transplants a strong start in the garden. When selecting the best variety for your garden, consider the variety’s flavor profile and disease resistance, and then once you’ve narrowed it down, go with your favorite color! If you will be growing your eggplants in a container, select varieties that are best suited for this, such as Listada de Gandia and Little Prince. The “new” eggplant on the garden scene is the much older Asian eggplant these are long and narrow, and come in a variety of colors including white, purple, magenta and green. While all eggplants are originally from Asia, the Italian varieties have been bred in southern Europe for centuries. Italians are the classic eggplant, and many heirlooms are available in purple, magenta, white, striped, and miniature. There are two categories of eggplants to select from. But don’t let that discourage you! With a little planning anyone can grow these wonderful veggies. They can be a bit finicky to grow in some regions, as they require lots of heat and sunshine. Even better, they are delicious, and there are practically limitless ways to prepare them. Don’t let them get much larger than 6 inches.Eggplants are beautiful plants that are a cornerstone of edible landscaping and excellent for container gardening. Harvest once the fruit turns dark brown and glossy. Learn more about how to manage pests and attract beneficial insects in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App! Harvesting:Įggplants should be ready for harvest in approximately 80-90 days. We strive to grow food without the use of pesticide and luckily there are natural solutions for most of these nasty pests! The pests listed below are common pests for eggplants: Pests can be one of the most difficult challenges you face in the garden. ![]() See companion plants for 80+ foods in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web app! Pests: ![]() Herbs are especially great companion plants because they help to repel pests from your other plants! Good Sometimes certain plants attract the same pests, so it is important to try and separate these. Some plants get too tall and can provide too much shade for your plant. There are also plants that do not like being next to each other. Companion plants assist in the growth of others by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or providing nutrients, shade, or support. Eggplants will require plenty of water! Companion Plants:Ĭompanion planting is a vital part of organic gardening. Take care to notice what plants are around the area as well, see the companion plant section below. Plant eggplant seeds 1/4 inch deep, 1 per square foot, in the full sun. You can see specific dates for your location using our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App. Eggplants can be planted throughout the summer up until 14 weeks before your first fall frost. Plant eggplant seeds indoors 7 weeks before your last spring frost and outdoors 1-2 weeks after your last spring frost. It really likes the heat and doesn’t tolerate cold well, so it’s better to transplant after all threat of frost has passed than starting from seed. Eggplant is certainly one of the best looking vegetables we’ve grown. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |