![]() Hardening off is the process of slowly exposing the new seedlings to the outside conditions. Once the seedlings are 3-4 inches (7-10cm), they can be transferred into larger pots or into the garden once they have been hardened off. It’s a good idea to use a water spray bottle so as not to disturb the soil or damage the new, fragile seedlings. You can read more on How to Start Vegetable Seedlings Under Grow Lights here.ĭuring this time, keep the soil moist but not soggy. If there is not enough light, you can consider Grow Lights. Position your potted eggplant seeds close to a window or other natural light. Plant eggplant seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch (6 mm) and water them in gently. You can try these seed starter peat pots – they’re convenient to use because they can be planted directly in the ground along with your seedling at the time of transplanting them to the garden. Use punnets or small pots filled with a quality organic seed raising potting mix. Having grown eggplants on a heat mat and without, I prefer using a heat mat to increase the rate of germination. They can be started 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.įor successful seed germination, a seedling heat mat will ensure soil temperature can be ideally maintained at 73-82☏ (23-28☌). To get ahead start on the eggplant growing season, you can start eggplant from seed indoors. Keep mulch from directly touching the plant stem. Try to keep the soil moist but not soggy.įinally, mulch eggplants with an organic mulch to retain soil moisture, keep the soil warm and generally protect the plant. Water eggplant regularly to encourage strong, healthy growth and ensure the fruit does not become bitter. You can improve the soil by adding compost and well-rotted manure before planting. Ideally, 8 hours of sunlight a day or more.įertile, well-draining soil is preferred for growing eggplant. Remember to uncover the plants on warm days for pollinating insects to fertilize the eggplant flowers.Įggplants love the sun, so plant them in a sunny spot with full sun. And another method is to use row covers to help keep the soil warm. Raised garden beds also provide warmer soil. In cooler climates, gardeners can consider growing eggplants in pots as they can produce the warmer soil favored by eggplants. You can use a soil monitor to gauge the pH as well as moisture and light. The preferred soil pH is around 5.5-7 and to narrow that number down even further, aim for 6-6.5. You can check your soil temperature with a soil thermometer. ![]() Meaning it can grow for many seasons.Įggplant really needs warm soil temperatures of 73-82☏ (23-28☌) and should only be planted once all chances of frost have passed. ![]() But in warm climates, it grows as a perennial. As a warm-weather vegetable, eggplant (Solanum melongena) is often grown as an annual. ![]()
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