Surprisingly easy: grow round eggplants and reap a multitude of fruits!
Round eggplants are delicious and versatile vegetables that can be successfully grown in your garden or balcony. Follow these simple steps to grow your own eggplants and reap an abundance of tasty fruit:
Choose the right location
Eggplants need a lot of sun to grow and ripen properly. Make sure to choose a sunny location for your garden or balcony pots. A well drained soil rich in organic matter is also essential for healthy eggplants.
Prepare soil
Before planting your eggplants, work the soil by adding compost or decomposed manure to improve its texture and fertility. Make sure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8, as eggplants prefer slightly acidic soil.
Plant seeds or plants
- If you choose to sow seeds, do so indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant the young plants once they have at least two sets of true leaves.
- If you prefer to use already established plants, make sure to space them around 60 cm to 90 cm in the garden, or choose pots of at least 5 gallons for each plant.
Water and fertilize regularly
Aubergines need regular watering to develop properly. Water them deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not wet. Use balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote healthy growth.
Protecting plants from pests and diseases
Monitor your eggplants regularly to detect signs of pests such as aphids, aleurodes or mites. Use biological control methods or mild insecticides if necessary. Also make sure to prevent fungal diseases by sparing plants to promote good air circulation and avoiding watering the leaves.
Harvest fruit at the right time
Round eggplants are ready to be harvested when they reach a firm and shiny size, usually between 12 and 15 cm in diameter. Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit of the plant leaving a small piece of stem attached. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruit production.
Enjoy your fresh eggplants
Round eggplants lend themselves to many delicious recipes, such as ratatouille, mussakas or curry. Enjoy your fresh harvest by cooking healthy and tasty dishes for the whole family.
By following these simple tips, you can successfully grow round eggplants and harvest a multitude of delicious fruits in your own garden. Don’t hesitate to experiment and enjoy this surprisingly easy culture!