Eggplants, also known as aubergines or brinjal (scientifically Solanum melongena), are both fun to grow and delicious to eat. While they thrive in warm climates, eggplants can be tricky to cultivate successfully. After experimenting with different growing methods, here are five essential tips to help you grow healthy and productive eggplant plants in your garden.
1. Opt for Small-Fruited Varieties
Just as small tomatoes are easier to manage, small-fruited eggplants are more reliable and easier to grow. Varieties such as the long, slender ‘Ping Tung Long’ or the round, compact ‘Patio Baby’ are perfect for gardeners. These smaller types tend to perform better, especially in cooler climates or smaller spaces. Compact varieties like ‘Morden Midget’ or ‘Bonica’ are also excellent options for those with limited garden space or container setups. These eggplants are bushy, producing multiple branches and a consistent harvest throughout the season.
2. Start Seeds Later in the Season
Eggplants thrive in warm weather, so there’s no need to rush when starting seeds. The plants grow quickly, especially when temperatures are consistently warm. For the best results, start seeds in late spring or early summer. If you have a longer growing season, you can even start seeds midsummer for a fall crop. When transplanting seedlings outdoors, choose a period of cooler, cloudy weather to help them acclimate.
3. Prepare for Eggplant Flea Beetles
Eggplant flea beetles can be a significant challenge for gardeners. These tiny insects create small holes in the leaves of eggplants, weakening the plants and reducing yields. One effective solution is to grow eggplants in raised containers or dark-colored nursery pots, as flea beetles typically avoid these areas. Additionally, container-grown plants often benefit from warmer roots, which eggplants thrive in.
To prevent flea beetle damage, use row covers made of fine netting, such as tulle, to shield young plants. These covers keep pests out while still allowing for air circulation. However, once the plants begin to bloom, remove the covers to allow bees to pollinate the flowers. At this stage, you may also want to stake the plants to support their weight as they start to bear fruit.
4. Encourage Pollination by Native Bees
Eggplant flowers are self-fertile, but they will produce better yields with the help of pollinators. Bees, particularly solitary types like carpenter bees, bumblebees, and sweat bees, are excellent at pollinating eggplants by shaking the flowers to release pollen. If you have few pollinators in your area or a small number of plants, you can assist pollination by hand. Simply use a dry paintbrush to transfer pollen from flower to flower or use a vibrating toothbrush to mimic the action of a buzzing bee.
5. Provide Regular Feedings
Eggplants are heavy feeders, especially once they start to bloom and set fruit. About six weeks after planting, apply a side dressing of organic fertilizer or composted manure to provide the necessary nutrients. In late summer, when the plants are full of fruit, a second round of feeding will ensure continued growth and productivity. For container-grown eggplants, frequent feeding is essential, but be mindful of salt buildup. Leach the containers with clean water every couple of weeks to flush out excess salts, especially when using synthetic fertilizers. Organic options like fish or kelp-based fertilizers are gentler on the soil and plants.
By following these tips, you can cultivate a thriving eggplant crop that delivers abundant and flavorful fruits throughout the growing season.