Once all the packets are organized, Ryan determines what order the eggplant seeds will be started in the trays depending on how long it takes each plant to germinate. When starting from seed, it is best to use a pre-made seed starting mix that contains the proper amounts of vermiculite, perlite and peat moss, available at garden supply stores. We seed many plants, so Ryan works in a production line manner in order to get as many trays started as possible.īecause I share a lot of eggplants with my family, we plant several trays and several varieties. The soil should be level with the top of the tray. Ryan fills the seed starting tray with mix and pats it down lightly into each compartment. They come with rounded cells in trays of 24 or 38 each.Įach cell is a couple-inches deep and recommended for a variety of vegetable seeds including our eggplants. Select the right kind of tray based on the size of the seeds. Seed starting trays come in all different sizes and depths. Once they arrive, Ryan sorts them according to type. Every year, I get a wide selection of both flower seeds and vegetable seeds from Johnny’s. They should dry for at least two or three days, about a week or longer if the weather is damp.Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a privately held, employee-owned organic seed producer in Winslow, Maine. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a coffee filter for drying. Use a small kitchen strainer to sieve the seeds from the water, rinse them well to remove any salt. Pour off the floating seeds and any loose bits of eggplant flesh, add more water and stir again to separate the good from the bad. Immature seeds will float atop the water. Rinse the seeds off the cubes and they'll slip through the colander into the catching pan. This removes much water from the cubes, it will also releases the seeds from the flesh. Toss the cubes to coat evenly with the salt and begin mashing and squeezing them with your hands. Place the cubes in a colander over a pan and sprinkle with some kitchen salt. Cut the stem with pruning shears and leave some stem on the fruit.Ĭut open a ripe and shriveling eggplant and cube it into pieces about thumb size. If the fruit does not spring back when released, it is mature. Seeds on over-ripe fruit turn brown.Check for maturity by pushing on one side of the fruit with the ball of the thumb. Harvest plants after they develop color, but before they lose their shine. See all of our brand-new seed pack offerings in our store. The Three Sisters Garden was the first example of companion planting in Native American culture. The Genesis Garden s a very popular Bible Garden collection. The Super Food Garden is the most nutrient dense garden you can build and everything you need is right here in one pack. Be sure to check out our newest seed packs, available now from Heirloom Organics. Before you harvest, consider which varieties you might want to save seeds from so that your harvesting practice includes plants chosen for seed saving. Learning to save seeds is easy and fun with these books. Heirloom seeds are the gardeners choice for seed-saving from year-to-year. To help reduce disease, do not plant eggplants or other tomato-family crops in the same location more than once every three or four years. ![]() Pinch off blossoms 2 to 4 weeks before first expected frost so that plants channel energy into ripening existing fruit, not producing new ones. They may encourage lush foliage growth at the expense of fruit. Plants with heavy fruit set benefit from staking.Įggplants are heavy feeders, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. If season is cool, fruit set may be inconsistent. Use row covers to protect plants from pests. Set transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 30 to 36 inches apart. If using organic mulches to help retain moisture, do not apply until the soil has warmed. Frost will kill them.Ĭonsider using raised beds or black plastic mulch to warm soil and speed early-season growth. ![]() Wait until weather has settled, all chance of frost has passed and soil is in the 60s F before transplanting, perhaps 2 to 3 weeks after the average last frost date. Harden off plants carefully before transplanting by reducing temperature and water. Eggplant will not germinate in cool soil. ![]() Keep soil warm (about 80 F to 90 F if possible) until emergence. Plant 1/4 inch deep in flats or cell-type containers. Start inside about 6 weeks before last frost date (or about 8 weeks before expected transplanting). Relatively inconspicuous, curling down and hidden within foliage. Requires fertile soil and a long, warm growing season. Prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acid soil that is high in organic matter for best growth and yield, but tolerates a broader range of soil types. How to Grow Eggplant | Guide to Growing Eggplant
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