Growing your own eggplant is as satisfying as you'd imagine it to be, especially when you pick a perfectly shaped plant right off the vine…there really is nothing like it! Eggplant are easy to grow and require little care, but these 10 tips for growing eggplant will ENSURE that you get the best, most perfect, and most delicious eggplant you've ever had!
10 Tips for Growing Eggplant
#1. Location, Location, Location
Eggplants LOVE the sun, and the more sun they receive, the better! Plant them in a spot where they'll receive THE most sunlight throughout the day!
#2. Plant in Raised Beds of Pots
Eggplants do a lot better when planted in raised beds or pots as they'll give you a faster harvest! Make sure to leave 18″-24″ space in between each plant to allow air to circulate.
#3. Mulch
Mulch immediately after transplanting and make sure the area is free of weeds.
#4. Secure Your Eggplants
Use cages or wire loops to protect your eggplants from strong winds as well as from heavy harvests.
#5. Water
In order for your eggplants to thrive, they'll need at least 1″ to 1 1/2″ of water per week.
#6. Fertilizer
Once eggplants bloom, apply a liquid fertilizer and repeat monthly.
#7. Soil pH
Soil pH is extremely important when growing any sort of plant, and your eggplant's soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5.
#8. Protect Your Eggplants
Flea beetles are the eggplant's worst enemy so make sure to protect them by covering them with an outdoor floating row cover or use a homemade pesticide to get rid of them.
#9. Remove Old Leaves
No need to prune eggplants, just be sure to remove old, dead leaves.
#10. Harvesting
Eggplants are ready for harvest once the skin achieves a shiny sheen. If the skin becomes dull, that means the eggplant has begun to mature and therefore will have a bitter taste.
So now that you know these 10 tips for growing eggplant, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
Happy Planting! Pin and Share 🙂
