Eggplants need a lot of space to grow, but you can grow them in a container as long as you have a large pot.The key to keeping your eggplants happy is the amount of sunlight, because they thrive in warm soil.You have to keep the soil moist and fed with organic matter.
Step 1: Purchase small pots or plastic gardening trays.
You have to have one pot for every two seeds.cheap plastic containers may make it easier to transfer your seedlings into larger pots later on.
Step 2: Pick a pot large enough to hold the mature eggplant.
The pot must be at least 20 liters in size, and each eggplant must have about 3 feet of space to grow.You may want to plant one eggplant per pot.
Step 3: Go for a clay pot.
The heat in clay pots is better than in plastic.If you have a history of forgetting to water your plants, choose a glazed pot instead of an unglazed pot.eggplants living in unglazed pots will need more frequent watering.Clay pots are heavier than plastic pots, so it's easier for them to hold a mature eggplant.The pot should have large holes to drain the soil.The risk of root rot is mitigated by the holes that allow excess water to leave the pot.
Step 4: If the containers held other plants, clean them.
Use soap and warm water to scrub the inside and outside of the pot.If you don't clean your pots and containers, you could be damaging your plants.
Step 5: Prepare a growing medium.
A mix of two parts soil and one part sand is a great option.The sand controls the water in the plant.Use the instructions on the label to mix in a timed-release, pelleted fertilizer.The best way to start is with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.After a few weeks, apply the pelletedfertilizer.After the flowers, switch to a high-potassiumfertilizer.
Step 6: There is a small support system.
If you don't have any support, your eggplants will have very little upward growth and will only yield a small amount of fruit.A tomato cage or teepee stake is enough to support the plant.
Step 7: Get a jump on the growing season by starting your seeds indoors.
It may be difficult to provide Eggplants in the outdoors during the spring due to their high temperatures.You can start your eggplants indoors as early as April.
Step 8: Pots and trays should be filled with a potting mix.
The soil should be kept loose and not compressed.
Step 9: There is a hole in the center of each pot or tray compartment.
The rounded end of a pen or pencil is a good place to start.
Step 10: Two seeds should be placed in each hole.
At least one seed can be planted with two seeds.The seeds of the nutrition may not need to be planted more than two times.
Step 11: Add more mix to cover the seeds.
Instead of packing the seeds, lightly drop the soil over them.
Step 12: On a sunny windowsill, place the pots or trays.
Direct sunlight for at least 8 hours a day can be received by choosing a window that is in full sun.Light and warmth come from the full sun.
Step 13: Water the seeds.
If using trays without drainage holes, keep the soil moist to the touch at all times.You don't want to create puddles on the top of your soil, but you should try to prevent the soil from drying out.
Step 14: Thin your plants after they grow two sets of leaves.
In the pot or tray compartment, keep the stronger of the two seedlings and cut the other down to the soil level.The roots of the seedling you want to keep may be disrupted if you yank the weaker one out.
Step 15: Once the plants have reached at least 1/2 foot in height, prepare your eggplants for relocation.
If the weather warms up enough, you should do this.Eggplants are best kept outdoors since they have more access to sunlight and can be pollinated.
Step 16: Put your staking system in your permanent pot.
Place the tomato cage or stake in a straight, upright position by keeping the feet flat on the bottom of the pot.
Step 17: Put your potting medium in your eggplant's permanent home.
Make sure the stake is held firmly by packing the soil around it.There is empty space between the top of the soil and the pot.
Step 18: You should dig a hole in the soil that is as deep and wide as the container you are currently in.
The hole should be in the middle of the pot.
Step 19: The stronger seedling should be removed from its previous container.
The weaker seedling should have been cut down.Wet the soil to make it smaller.It will be easier to transplant moist soil.If you bend the plastic, you can wiggle the seedling out of the container.If the seedling is in a container that is stiff, you may need to use a gardening trowel to dig into the side of the pot.The container should be tipped on its side to guide the soil out of the pot.
Step 20: The pot has a hole in it.
The seedling should be kept upright.
Step 21: Pack more medium around the seedling to fix it.
The root system may be damaged if you press down with too much force.To make sure the seedling is firmly in place, you should fill in any empty space.
Step 22: Don't forget to water the soil.
If you want to prevent puddles on the top of the soil, give your plant a thorough watering.
Step 23: A sunny location is where you should place your pot.
An outdoor spot that receives full sun is ideal, as both the light and sun are essential in promoting a good harvest.They thrive in warm soil.
Step 24: Don't forget to water your eggplant.
Depending on the weather, your plant may need multiple waterings a day.If the soil appears to be dry, saturate it with your fingers.The number of eggplants you can grow will be reduced if the soil is not dried out.
Step 25: It's a good idea to add a liquidFertilizer once every two weeks.
If you want to add your eggplant to the soil, you need to water it first, rather than add it to dry soil.To find an appropriate amount, follow the directions on the back of the label.If the leaves of your eggplant start to pale, you may need to add more urea.If your plant's only problem is a lack of nutrition, a boost of 5-10-5 should help.A higher number means a higher percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.When scratching infertilizer, do not dig any deeper than 1/2 inch below the surface of the soil.The roots of the eggplant are shallow, so digging any deeper than that could cause them to be disturbed.
Step 26: The soil's pH can be monitored.
It is recommended that the soil has a pH between 5.8 and 6.5.You should be able to get an accurate reading with a pH meter or litmus paper.Agricultural lime can be used to increase the pH.Adding more organic matter such as compost or plant litter is a good way to decrease the pH.
Step 27: The stake should be tied to your eggplant to promote growth.
Use twine or thin fabric thread to tie the stem of the plant to the stake as it begins to climb.Tying the thread too tightly can cut into the stem.
Step 28: You should keep an eye out for pests.
Cutworms can be driven away by placing a collar over the plant.Cutworms and other pests can be driven away with an organic pesticide.
Step 29: Once the skin is glossy, you can harvest the eggplants.
In many cases, the fruit will be around the size of a large orange if it continues to grow larger.The length of time this takes varies depending on the variety you chose, but your eggplant will usually be ready for harvest within two or three months after you initially planted your seeds.Pruning shears are used to remove the eggplant from its vine.Upon removal, the vegetable should have a short stem.