🌱 Eggplant

Grow in fertile, well-drained loam with high organic matter. Target pH about 5.5–6.8. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting; avoid compacted or waterlogged beds (raised beds help). Maintain even soil moisture to reduce blossom-end rot and bitterness.

Sow seed indoors in trays/pots 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Maintain warm germination conditions (about 24–30°C) and sow 0.5–1 cm deep in a sterile, well-drained medium; keep evenly moist but not waterlogged. After emergence, provide high light and warm temperatures to avoid stalling. Pot on if rootbound. Harden off for 7–10 days, then transplant outdoors only when nights are reliably warm and soil temperature is at least ~18°C; plant at the same depth and water in well.

Eggplant is a heavy feeder: mix compost into the planting area, then apply a balanced fertilizer at transplanting and side-dress when flowering begins and again during heavy fruit set. Avoid excessive nitrogen (promotes leaves over fruit). Ensure steady calcium and moisture (and avoid drought swings) to limit blossom-end rot; potassium support improves fruiting.

Mulch after soil has warmed (eggplant is heat-loving). Use 5–8 cm of straw/leaf mulch or black plastic to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots warm. Keep mulch a few cm away from the stem to reduce rot and pests.

Stake or cage plants at planting time to prevent stem breakage and fruit contact with soil. Use a sturdy 90–120 cm stake or a tomato cage; tie stems loosely with soft ties and add ties as the plant grows, especially once fruit set increases branch load and wind leverage.

Minimal pruning: remove leaves/shoots below the first main fork and any weak inward growth; optionally limit to 2–4 main stems and top late-season to focus ripening.