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Eggplant Growing Guide🍆: Planting, Watering, and Harvesting Tips

Eggplant Growing Guide🍆: Planting, Watering, and Harvesting Tips

Introduction

Eggplants love warmth, sunlight, and consistent water — making them a perfect fit for SIPs and wicking beds. With GardenWells inserts, you’ll maintain bottom-up watering for vigorous plants and glossy, full-bodied fruit without constant maintenance.

When to Plant Eggplant

  • Starting Indoors: Begin seeds indoors in March under grow lights. See the March Gardening Guide for early indoor prep.

  • Transplanting Outdoors: Move seedlings to SIPs or raised beds May through June once soil temps reach 21°C (70°F). Visit the May Gardening Guide for transplanting tips.

  • Harvest Window: Expect peak yields July through September; see the July Gardening Guide for fruiting care.

Square Foot Gardening Spacing

  • Spacing: 1 eggplant per sq ft

  • Depth: Plant transplants at the same depth as nursery pots

  • Companions: Ideal companions include peppers, basil, and spinach.

How to Plant Eggplant

Starting Indoors (Preferred)

  • Start seeds 8–10 weeks before last frost.

  • Use a heat mat to maintain 24–27°C for optimal germination.

  • Transplant seedlings once they are 6–8” tall with sturdy stems.

Direct Seeding (Optional)

  • Possible in warm climates but less reliable than transplanting.

Watering Your Eggplant

Eggplants need steady moisture for fruit development:

  • Use your WaterStem: when the Hummingbird rises, the reservoir is full; when it drops, refill.

  • Before establishment: Top-water gently for the first 7–10 days after transplanting.

  • After establishment: Refill reservoirs every 1–2 weeks depending on heat and bed size.

  • Mulch heavily to conserve SIP moisture and reduce soil temperature swings.

Harvesting Eggplant

  • Timing: Ready 60–80 days after transplanting.

  • Signs of Maturity: Fruit should be glossy, firm, and spring back when pressed gently.

  • Harvest early and often to encourage more fruit production.

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue Likely Cause Solution
Blossom Drop Heat stress or inconsistent watering Make sure your reservoir is full during hot periods
Yellow Leaves Nutrient imbalance Add compost or liquid seaweed fertilizer
Flea Beetles Early-season pests Interplant basil or use floating row covers

Companion Plants for Eggplant

Best companions (with cross-links):

  • Peppers → Share similar soil, sun, and SIP water needs.

  • Basil → Repels pests and enhances flavor naturally.

  • Spinach → Works as an excellent groundcover to retain SIP moisture.

  • Beans → Fix nitrogen in soil, supporting stronger eggplant foliage.

Avoid planting with:

  • Fennel → Releases compounds that can stunt eggplant growth.

  • Other nightshades like potatoes → Shared pests make spacing them apart ideal.

Product Tips

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