Some call eggplant a berry, others a vegetable, and still others a plant. Regardless of what this culture is called, most gardeners want to grow it in their own plots. It is extremely nutritious, tasty and contains a lot of fiber.
Take a note: it is better to pluck unripe fruits, as they have less salt. Remember that overripe vegetables are not so tasty and not quite healthy.
Growing eggplants in open ground and caring for them is a laborious process. First you need to plant seeds for seedlings at home, then transplant seedlings in open ground or a greenhouse, take care of them for a long time and hard, and only then you can enjoy the harvest.
Consider each stage of growing eggplant in more detail.
We plant seeds for seedlings of eggplant
Due to the fact that the vegetative period of such a vegetable as eggplant is quite large (it is about 150 days), it is more expedient to initially plant seeds for seedlings (in January-February) and only then transplant seedlings into open ground or a greenhouse. Growing eggplant from seeds at home can be done:
- in tablets from pressed peat;
- cassettes
- individual pots (or in a common container);
- using a device called a snail.
We grow seedlings in tablets
The method is very simple (to use), environmentally friendly and not traumatic for the root system of plants. Peat tablets (optimal diameter is 4 cm or more), whose shelf life is practically unlimited (provided that they are stored in a dry place), do not have dense walls. This allows the roots to grow through them without any obstacles. Subsequently, the seedlings together with the tablets are transplanted into the open ground. With this method of growing, a pick is not needed. Growing eggplant from seeds at home in compressed peat tablets is also good because they include disinfectants, anti-stress additives and growth stimulants, the presence of which ensures high germination of planting material.
Sequence of planting seeds:
- We lay out the tablets in a deep container, placing them so that the recesses are on top.
- Fill them with warm water and leave to swell. Tablets should increase 7-9 times.
- We drain excess water.
- We have planting material in the recesses: 2-3 seeds per each well (when they germinate, weaker sprouts can be removed).
When growing eggplant at home in tablets, you do not need to pre-seed the seeds.
- We drown the seeds and close the holes with peat.
- We put all the tablets with seeds in another (transparent) container with drainage holes, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Transfer the container to a warm and bright place.
Every day it is necessary to ventilate the crops and make sure that the tablets remain moist.
Seedling in cassettes
Growing eggplant from seeds in this way is very effective. In the event that cassettes with large cells are used, there is no need to make a pick in the future.
If seeds are sown in small cells, then in the process of seedlings growth they will have to be transplanted (together with a lump of earth) into separate pots. Moreover, this will need to be done very carefully so as not to damage the root system of the plant.
How to plant seeds properly using cassettes:
- Cassettes are installed in a container or pallet.
- We fill the cells with a soil mixture.
- Water the soil with settled water at room temperature.
- Using a wet wooden stick, we lay out the planting material in the center of each cell and deepen them by 15-20 mm.
- We close the holes with soil and slightly compact.
- We cover the cassettes with plastic wrap (or a transparent lid) and place the container in a warm place. Remember that seeds need to be aired and moist.
We grow in the "snail"
Growing eggplant from seeds in a similar way is simple and fast. It is enough to put toilet paper on a film of polyethylene, on which to put (alternately) seeds, sprinkle them lightly with earth and moisten. Then roll this whole structure (to get something resembling a snail) and place it in a small container in which it will be necessary to constantly add liquid.
Growing eggplant from seeds in home greenhouse conditions in pots
The method consists in using any suitable containers (milk cartons, kefir or plastic cups from sour cream or fermented baked milk). For planting seeds, you can use separate pots. In this case, a pick will not be needed. And you can plant the planting material in a single container: in this case, picking is necessary. We fill the containers with the soil mixture, make indentations in them, place the seeds in them, cover the pits with soil, compact, cover everything with polyethylene and put in the sun or in any warm place.
How to feed seedlings
Growing eggplant through seedlings will be more effective if you feed the seedlings a couple of times:
- The first time that the first pair of true leaves has formed on the plant, we introduce nitrogen and potassium into the soil. They have a beneficial effect on the growth of seedlings.
- The second time we fertilize approximately 1.5-2 weeks before planting in open beds (or in a greenhouse). We bring in not only potassium and nitrogen, but also phosphorus, which contributes to the development of the root system of the plant. For these purposes, you can use superphosphate, which includes all the necessary trace elements.
Dates for eggplant planting in open ground
When is the best time to transplant seedlings for permanent “residence” when growing eggplants in open ground? Due to the fact that eggplant is a thermophilic and very capricious plant (it does not like to be disturbed by its root system), the best moment for transplanting seedlings to open beds is the end of spring or the beginning of summer. Then the danger of night frosts was over, and the days were getting warmer and warmer.
By this time, the height of the transplanted bushes should be about 200 mm, have six to seven formed leaves (at least) and a well-developed root system. Following all the recommendations for growing eggplants in the open ground, two weeks before planting, it is necessary to start hardening seedlings. Why do you need to do this? So that plants can, after home greenhouse maintenance, adapt more easily to new living conditions.
Measures for hardening seedlings
Such procedures contribute to a good harvest. What exactly needs to be done? You just need to create conditions at home that are close to natural. That is, during the day the temperature should be about 24-27 degrees, and at night 12-14 degrees.
There is another method: just take the seedlings out into the open air every day, increasing the session of “air procedures” every day. Ideally, seedlings should normally tolerate being around the clock.
When should hardening start? 1.5-2 weeks before transplanting into open ground.
Preparing the soil for planting
Growing eggplant in open ground and caring for them imply, first of all, a thorough preparation of the soil for planting seedlings. Moreover, it is necessary to start preparing the soil in the fall (in extreme cases, in the early spring). It all depends on the type of soil.
- Peat. We bring humus, turf and sand into a land of this type in a bucket (per one square meter).
- Loamy and clayey. To improve the composition of the soil, we introduce a bucket of manure and sand, ½ bucket of sawdust (rotted) and two buckets of peat (per square meter).
- Sandy. We add two buckets of peat and compost to the same unit of area; about three buckets of clay and a bucket of sawdust (wood).
In addition to these measures (regardless of soil type), we add to it a tablespoon of potassium sulfate and superphosphate; about two glasses of ash and a teaspoon of urea (for each square meter of landing area). After making all the necessary components, we dig the soil and compact it.
We plant seedlings in open ground
Following the recommendations of specialists for growing eggplant and caring for them, the algorithm for planting seedlings in prepared soil is as follows:
- We make the required number of rows (row spacing - 55-60 cm) with holes (14-16 cm deep). The distance between the seedlings is about 42-47 cm. The pits should be of such a size that during planting you do not have to bend the root system of the plant.
- Pour warm water into the wells. You can also make a solution of mullein (1.5 liters in each hole). We prepare the mixture at the rate of 0.5 liters of manure per 10 liters of water. And you can make wood ash or water the soil with a weak (pink) solution of potassium permanganate.
- We have seedlings in the pits. Moreover, we carry out transshipment, capturing a small lump of earth, and extremely carefully, without exposing the roots. Remember: even slight damage to the root system leads to an increase in the adaptation time of the plant in a new place.
- Sprinkle seedlings with soil, slightly compact, water and mulch with a layer of humus or peat. Do not forget: 8-10 hours after each watering, it is imperative to loosen the soil.
An outdoor transplant is best done in the evening (from 18 to 21 hours) or throughout the day (only if it is cloudy). The next day in the morning (especially if the sun shines brightly), seedlings must be covered with a cap made of paper (for example, from a newspaper). Such manipulations will protect plants from direct sunlight and help to adapt faster. This should be done for 7-10 days.
Watering
Growing eggplant and caring for them require competent watering of plants. The scheme of "water procedures" is as follows:
- The first watering is carried out only on the third day after the transplant. We use warm water (about +24 degrees) and settled water.
- We carry out subsequent watering based on visual observations of plants: if the leaves started to fade slightly, most likely, they need moisture. As a rule, watering is carried out twice a week.
How to irrigate? Water procedures can be carried out either from a watering can or from a hose. But only until flowering. As soon as the first flowers appeared, watering should be done as carefully as possible, under the spine, so as not to accidentally touch the flowers and remove them. And when the fruits appear, you can safely water the plants from above.
What time of day is better to water? On cloudy days - anytime, and on hot days - just before sunset.
Fertilizers
Growing eggplant and care in open beds necessarily require the introduction of mineral fertilizers. Without certain top dressings, including phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, it is simply impossible to grow high-quality eggplants. Organic fertilizers (chicken droppings, rotted cow manure, peat, compost, ash and herbal infusions) are also welcome. Moreover, the ideal option is the alternation of types of fertilizers.
This is important: never use fresh chicken manure or cow dung due to the large amount of nitrogen in them. Such actions will only contribute to the growth of green mass of plants to the detriment of the formation of ovaries and subsequent fruits. So that the roots of the plants do not get burns, it is recommended to pre-insist the organic matter, dilute it with water and only then feed it (during normal watering or immediately after “water procedures”).
How to top dress? It is best to introduce all the necessary components directly into the soil, that is, perform root top dressing. In this case, the leaves and fruits of the plant are guaranteed to be protected from burns, and micronutrients are rapidly absorbed by the root system of eggplant.
How to prepare top dressing? Strictly following the attached instructions, nothing else.
You must remember: if fertilizer gets on the stems or leaves, you must quickly rinse them with clean water.
Fertilizer application schedule for the season (there are three in total):
- 15 days after planting seedlings in open ground. The composition of fertilizing includes nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. All these trace elements are included in superphosphate.
- Just before flowering. We feed with a double dose of phosphorus and potassium (compared with the first feeding). Do not forget about nitrogen (its amount is not necessary to increase).
- During fruiting. We bring only phosphorus, potassium, ash (wood) and tincture of mullein.
If the soil is depleted in your area, then the number of top dressings can be increased. In this case, it is recommended to feed every 9-12 days. Growing eggplant is unthinkable without frequent and plentiful dressing.
Cropping required
Do eggplant leaves need pruning? Of course it is. Especially before flowering - it is recommended to remove the lower leaves. These actions contribute to an earlier flowering and, as a consequence, a more rapid appearance of long-awaited fruits.
After 8 leaves have formed on the plant and the first flower has appeared, it is recommended to remove the stepson-shoots. This must be done so that the plant develops better. And after the formation of 7-8 ovaries, it is necessary to pinch the growth point of the shoots.
Then, in the future, you can remove the extra flowers so that the remaining ovaries receive more nutrients and are better formed. Naturally, there will be fewer fruits, but they will be larger.
Growing eggplant in a greenhouse
In the southern regions of Russia, eggplants have long been “regulars” in gardens. People living in these territories grow this vegetable and enjoy eating it using various methods of its preparation. But eggplant cultivation in Siberia began to be engaged relatively recently. Yes, the northern regions of the country cannot boast of warm and long summers. But I so want to pluck this elastic fruit of dark purple color on its plot and enjoy its taste. Tip: grow eggplants in a greenhouse (made of polycarbonate, for example). In this regard, there are several general recommendations:
- It is recommended to start planting eggplant seedlings when the air temperature inside the greenhouse is about +18 degrees, and the earth warms up to +16 degrees. It’s not worth it before, otherwise you risk losing your crop.
- In the process of growing eggplant in a greenhouse (from polycarbonate), it is necessary to maintain a temperature in the range from +17 degrees to +30. Keep in mind that higher or lower temperature conditions are very undesirable and can lead to the death of vegetables.
- High humidity has a bad effect on the development and growth of plants. The microclimate in the greenhouse can be adjusted by opening and closing the existing doors and windows. But do not create drafts - eggplants do not like this.
Following the recommendations outlined above, you can successfully engage in the cultivation of eggplant in Siberia and other regions of Russia.
Finally
If all the rules of agricultural technology when growing eggplants are met, you can get a good crop of vegetables.
Many gardeners want to grow a crop such as eggplant in their household plots. That's just not always climatic conditions make it possible. So-called "hotbeds" come to the rescue. Growing eggplant in a greenhouse is a good way out of the situation.
If all the rules of agricultural technology when growing eggplants are met, you can get a good harvest of fruits.