Eggplant

Eggplant

Eggplant is beautiful in the garden, with attractive purple flowers and glossy, deep purple fruits. They combine beautifully with petunias. The fruits are an essential ingredient in many splendid ethnic foods - French ratatouille, Italian caponata and Greek moussaka as well as many other Middle Eastern dishes. Have you tried Eggplant Parmesan? They are also delicious just sliced and fried American Style.

How To Grow Eggplant: Eggplant grows and produces best in a rich, warm soil. Sow seeds in a hotbed, indoors under plant lights or in a greenhouse 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. When seedlings have 2 pairs of leaves, plant singly in small pots. Set in garden after all danger of frost and when soil is warm. Allow 2-3’ between plants. They also do very well in a large pot. Keep fruit picked for more production right up to frost time. If you have them in pots, you can move them into the greenhouse for extended production. Try to find a non-hybridized seed so you can save them.

Year Round Gardening in a Greenhouse: Follow the instructions for outdoor gardening but start your seeds again 8-10 weeks prior to the usual first frost date for your area. Give them plenty of space to expand and grow in pots and leave in the greenhouse to produce after the frosts hit.

Tips: Use plenty of worm castings in a potting mix for container gardening, and water with a compost or vermicompost tea.Your plants will reward you for it. Look for Eggplant to pick around Christmas time (will vary).