In this video we will share five tips that will help you grow the best eggplants ever.
Tip#1 ? Starting your plants early
Eggplants can be sowed six weeks before the last frost date in your growing zone. You can start the seeds indoors in seed starting cells, and the seedlings will emerge within 8-10 days after sowing. They can then be transplanted in containers or raised beds. Starting seeds early helps them develop lot of endurance before they are planted in the real environment in which they will grow and thrive.
Start seeds early
Tip#2 ? Fertilizing
- Fish emulsion is one of best fertilizer than you can give your eggplants. Mix in a couple tablespoons in a gallon of water and water your eggplants with this thoroughly. This adds a lot of bacteria into the soil and help your plants uptake all the nutrients.
- Earthworm tea is also an excellent fertilizer which helps your plant build endurance against diseases and pests.
- Epsom salt will help add magnesium and sulfur to the soil which results in larger yield and better eggplants.
- All Purpose fertilizer is an excellent amendment that you can add to your soil in the initial growing stages. ?
Fertilizer
Tip#3 ? Pest Management
Aphids and caterpillars are common insects that affect eggplants. You can wash your plants with neem oil or castile soap to get rid of these pests. Add a few spoons to a gallon of water and spray the affected leaves nicely. Alternatively, you can also use Dr. Bronner?s castile soap and wash your plants thoroughly.
Wash plants with Neem Oil or castile soap to get rid of insects
Tip#4 ? Growing conditions
Choose a nice sunny location for growing your eggplants whether you are growing in containers or raised beds. Eggplants need 6-8 hours of sun every day. Also make sure you are hand pollinating the flowers using an electric toothbrush in the absence of natural pollinators like bees in the garden.
Tip#5 ? Plant a rainbow
Plant different varieties of eggplants. They come in various sizes and colors and each one has a unique taste and characteristic. You can reap maximum health benefit. ?We have successfully grown the tricolor eggplants, Listada De Gandia, shooting stars, black beauty, little prince, and Japanese eggplants in our home garden. Checkout out the individual plant profile videos if you are interested in growing any specific variety.
Plant a rainbow
Watch the video 5 Essential Growing Tips to Grow Lots of Eggplants for a delicious eggplant recipe and more!
Tomatoes and eggplants have perfect flowers! each flower contains the male and female parts, both are self-pollinating.