Growing eggplants (step by step agricultural technology). Transplanting is serious business! How to grow eggplant outdoors

Eggplant is a thermophilic vegetable, and in open field its cultivation is not always possible. In the south and in the Black Earth region, this is not difficult without a greenhouse, but in the Moscow region or the Siberian region, this is a very risky business. However, since, in addition to thermophilicity, eggplant is not much different from other garden residents, summer residents are trying to grow it in open ground in different regions our country.

Eggplant varieties for open ground

Of great importance is right choice variety (or hybrid). Store shelves are full of multi-colored bags, and advertising does its job: often we buy what they have imposed on us, but first we should slowly read what is different different varieties, because in winter there is enough time for this.

Varieties of many crops intended for greenhouse cultivation are not very suitable for open ground, and vice versa. Sometimes this is due to the characteristics of pollination (bees do not fly in the greenhouse), but more often - only with resistance to the vagaries of the weather. For planting eggplants in open ground, it is especially important to choose a variety that has a good yield and a short growing season: summer in most parts of our country is short. Fortunately, there are now varieties and hybrids that meet several requirements at once:

The best eggplant hybrids for open ground

For capricious crops, it is more reliable to plant hybrids (indicated by the F1 icon). True, you cannot collect seeds from them (and if you collect them, they will not inherit the traits mother plant), But hybrid varieties usually more productive and maximally resistant to adverse conditions. After all, we are not chasing hybrids, for example, beets or parsley - these are unpretentious vegetables. But more and more often we use hybrid seeds when sowing cucumbers and even tomatoes. This applies even more to heat-loving eggplants. It is difficult to choose the best from many dozens of varieties (but the taste and color ...), so here are a few examples of wonderful hybrids designed for planting in open ground:

• Bull's Heart F1 - begins to bear fruit 4 months after sowing, that is, it is considered medium early. The bush is large, branchy. Requires tying: very large oval-shaped fruits grow (weighing about 300 g, sometimes up to 500 g). Their color is dark purple, shiny. Inside the fruits are dense, almost white color, without bitterness. The hybrid bears fruit for a long time, disease resistance is high;
• Galina F1 - early ripening, the bush is rather tall, sprawling, the leaves are very large. The fruits are almost correct cylindrical shape, large, reach a length of 15 cm with a mass of 200–220 g. Painted in dark purple, with gloss. The pulp is loose, tender, almost white, not bitter, gourmets characterize their taste as exquisite. The total yield reaches 6.5–7 kg per 1 m 2;
• Esaul F1 - medium ripening period, the harvest can be started 4.5 months after sowing the seeds. The bush is of medium height and medium branching, the leaves are also of the usual size. The fruits are cylindrical, thin: with a length of about 15 cm, their diameter is only 3 cm. For this reason, the maximum weight of one fruit is 200 g, and the yield is not higher than 6 kg / m 2. Coloring usual for eggplants, brilliant. Pulp without bitterness, painted in greenish color. Esaul F1 is considered one of the most delicious eggplants grown without shelter;
• Emerald F1 - characterized by a mushroom flavor and aroma of fruits, the plant is very hardy: it has increased cold and disease resistance. Mid-early hybrid: from seed to condition technical maturity fruit passes only 105 days. The plant is tall, but not spreading, the leaves are large. Fruits are green, oval, up to 13 cm long, glossy. The mass of eggplant is up to 400 g, but the yield is decent: up to 7.3 kg / m 2. The pulp is not bitter, almost white. It is one of the most non-capricious eggplants, fruits are formed even in cold and rainy weather;
• Lava F1 - characterized by generous and long fruiting, excellent taste and commercial properties of the fruit. Mid-early maturation, sprawling bush, quite tall. The fruits are in the form of a cylinder, up to 15 cm long, medium-sized: weight up to 150 g. They have a dark purple, glossy color, and the flesh is greenish-white, not bitter. The yield is good. The variety needs additional shaping or tying.

Photo gallery: popular eggplant varieties for open ground

Galina F1 - high-yielding eggplant for lovers of delicious Esaul F1 eggplant - very slender Eggplant Emerald F1 violates the usual phrase "eggplant color" Eggplant Ox Heart F1 in appearance corresponds to its name Eggplant Lava F1 bears fruit for a very long time

Tall eggplants for open ground

Gardeners are trying to plant tall eggplants, believing that they will get a larger harvest. There is some truth in this, although the yield is not always proportional to the size of the bush. In the greenhouse, of course, they try to save all available space and plant bushes "to the ceiling." In open ground, it is more convenient to take care of compact bushes that do not even require tying up, but for taller lovers there are also tall eggplants designed for beds without shelter. For example:

Early eggplant for open ground

Among eggplant varieties and hybrids, those that ripen 3–3.5 months after germination are considered early. There is also the concept of “super early hybrids”, their season before the technical maturity of the fruit is even shorter: up to 80 days. For the coldest regions with short summers, they are required, and in the middle lane you can plant early varieties. Let's look at a few examples.

• Negus is considered a very early variety. It grows in very low bushes (maximum 60 cm), which do not require a garter and are characterized by increased cold resistance. The fruits are barrel-shaped, medium in size, weighing from 150 to 300 g, almost black in color. Since the number of fruits on the bushes is large, the overall yield is decent. The taste is considered to be very good. If you pick fruits at the stage of technical ripeness, fruiting continues until the onset of cold weather. If you select several fruits for seeds (and this is not a hybrid, they can be harvested), they have time to ripen until ready, but the formation of the next stops. Eggplants of the Negus variety are well stored and do not deteriorate during transportation, their purpose is universal.
• Variety Alekseevsky has an early ripening period - 95–105 days. The bush is undersized. The fruits are cylindrical, dark purple, 15–18 cm long, reaching a weight of 190 g. The flesh is white, without bitterness. Eggplants are distinguished by good keeping quality, suitable for transportation. In the ground can be planted in early June.
• The King of the North F1 is a hybrid, it can be grown in open ground even in the conditions of the Moscow region and a little to the north, it is popular in Siberia. With a decrease in temperature, the yield does not lose. Speaking of eggplants, we usually note that 0 ° C is fatal for them, but this hybrid tolerates even slight frosts, but, on the contrary, does not like heat. Productivity (up to 14 kg per 1 m 2) is one of the highest for early eggplants, the first fruits are ready for use three months after germination. It grows in a squat bush, not reaching a height of up to half a meter, there are no thorns. The fruits are large, very long and thin, the usual color for most eggplants, with white flesh, not bitter.

Photo gallery: early eggplant varieties for open ground

Super early variety of eggplant Negus is able to bear fruit until cold weather
Eggplant King of the North tolerates even slight frosts Alekseevsky eggplants are distinguished by good keeping quality

Features of planting eggplant in open ground

The growing season for eggplants is long, so I would like to plant them in the garden as early as possible, but biological features they do not allow this to be done: most eggplant varieties do not tolerate even the slightest frost at all, and at low positive temperatures they do not grow and get sick. Therefore, sowing seeds directly into the garden is possible only in the southernmost regions of Russia, and even there they are planted no earlier than April, which means that it is impossible to get vegetables without seedlings.

Seeds for seedlings are sown earlier than most other crops - back in February. By the time of landing on the garden, the seedlings should already be quite viable bushes.

Eggplant seedlings are sown in February

When to plant eggplant outdoors

The timing of planting eggplant in the garden depends on the climatic features of the region and the weather of a particular year. It is best that by the time of planting, the average daily temperature is not lower than 20 ° C. In most places, it is unrealistic to wait, and therefore seedlings are initially planted under temporary shelters until the soil warms up to 15 ° C at a depth of 10–12 cm. seedlings in the garden are as follows:

• in the south of the country - April 25 - May 5;
• in the central regions of Russia and in Belarus - May 25 - June 5;
• in the Urals and Siberia - June 10–15.

The time of day also matters, although this applies to the seedlings of most crops. Almost always they try to plant it in the evening, when the sun no longer bakes, and even better if the next 2-3 days are expected to be cloudy.

Good, high-quality eggplant seedlings cannot be less than 20 cm high (and preferably 25), must have at least 5 juicy healthy leaves (optimally 6-8). At the same time, it is undesirable to grow it in a common box, each copy should be in a separate pot. 10-15 days before planting, seedlings are accustomed to street weather, taking them out to the balcony for an increasingly long time.

Seedlings should be strong and healthy, with large green leaves.

How far apart to plant eggplant

The eggplant planting scheme can be different and is determined both by the gardener's preferences and the plant variety, and therefore, by the size of the future adult bush:

Eggplant planting technique

And now you and I know when to plant seedlings and at what distance, but we didn’t talk about the beds at all. Actually, there is nothing unusual in arranging eggplant beds: their size can be whatever is convenient for the gardener, but the soil must be fertile. As with any crop, gardeners try to dig up a garden bed in the fall. For eggplant, large doses of fertilizer must be applied when digging (but not fresh manure!). It can be rotted manure or compost.

Fresh manure under eggplants can not be made

The choice of location - according to the properties of the plant: the bed should be well lit. The “blue ones” are afraid of the northern winds, so a fence or a wall of a garden house can serve as an excellent protection. In the middle lane, warm beds are often prepared for eggplants:

1. Since autumn, any garbage, branch cuttings, foliage, sawdust are dumped into a pit with a depth of about 50 cm in the following sequence:
   • first large debris (boards),
   • then the branches
   • after - paper or cardboard,
   • the next layer is dry grass, foliage, sawdust.
2. All this is watered with infusions of manure or bird droppings.
3. And only then they fall asleep with clean fertile soil, constructing a high ridge.
4. They enclose it with boards made of boards, slate, metal, etc.

In the central regions it is not a problem to get good peat; he is one of best fillers for warm beds. And do not forget about wood ash: this fertilizer in the garden is never superfluous.

Warm beds contain a lot of organic matter, which creates heat when rotting.

Planting is done in spring, when the soil at a depth of 10-12 cm warms up to 15 o C.

1. The bed is loosened.
2. A few days before planting, they spill it with warm water with the addition of mullein infusion.
3. On the morning of the day of planting, the seedlings are well watered.
4. Eggplants are planted a little deeper than they were in pots.
5. Planted plants are well watered, and the soil around them is lightly mulched.

The seedlings of this vegetable are very tender, they do not tolerate transplantation well, so everything must be done very carefully.

It is advisable to immediately provide for pegs when planting if the variety requires a subsequent garter. Freshly planted plants, most likely, will not have to be tied up, but after they take root in a new place, they will continue to grow at a high speed.

Even in the south, in the evenings, the bed should first be covered with non-woven materials.

Video: planting eggplant in the garden

How to plant eggplant in open ground

There are detailed tables describing the best and worst neighbors for a particular culture. Sometimes they are contradictory, but in general they are quite understandable. It is clear that eggplants cannot be planted after any nightshade (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes). But is it possible to plant them next to these crops?

In a greenhouse, where every meter is precious, eggplants are often planted next to peppers: after all, they have very similar growing conditions. Many do this even without shelter, sometimes even alternating rows of pepper and eggplant. This is a completely normal neighborhood, it is only desirable to focus on the height of the bushes: the pepper also loves the sun, and the one and a half meter blue bushes in the neighborhood will oppress him.

But planting eggplant next to tomatoes and potatoes is already undesirable. Not because they will interfere with each other, but because all three have one terrible enemy - the Colorado potato beetle, and, having settled on potato leaves, it will also eat eggplant at the same time.

Good neighbors for culture are various legumes (peas, beans, beans), but only bush ones: plants that are too tall will create a shadow. Eggplant and cabbage normally coexist. And some flowers (nasturtium, marigolds, petunias) are good defenders, driving away many pests with their smells.

Marigolds will help eggplants - they will scare away pests

How to grow eggplant outdoors

In the first time after planting, until they take root, eggplants grow very slowly. It is important not to interfere with them: you just need to keep the soil slightly moist and loose. And after the resumption of growth, the gardener will have more worries: watering, fertilizing, loosening, pinching.

How often to water

If you violate the rules of watering, the eggplant will tell you about it, but it may be too late: with a lack of moisture, the leaves begin to fall, then the buds, and the stem becomes as if wooden. This must not be allowed. Eggplants require a lot of water, but waterlogging of the soil is also unacceptable. The frequency of watering depends on the phase of plant development:

1. The first week or one and a half should carefully monitor the condition of the soil. Depending on the weather at this time, daily watering may be required. It should be carried out only with water heated in the sun. Gently, under the root, possibly with the subsequent restoration of the mulch.
2. As soon as the seedlings take root and resume growth, watering can be reduced. Until the first flowers appear, weekly watering is usually sufficient (in the morning or in the evening from a watering can, under the roots, with warm water at the rate of about a bucket per 1 m 2). In the case of very hot and dry weather, the frequency of watering will have to be increased.
3. Starting from the blooming of flowers and until the end of the growing season, one watering per week is not enough for eggplants, unless, of course, there are frequent rains. If it is impossible to get to the site in the middle of the week, you should try to give a double dose of moisture on the weekend. It's not very good, but better than nothing. Water temperature - not lower than 25 o C.

The soil under the eggplant should never dry out.

Water for watering eggplant should be taken so much that it takes several minutes to be absorbed into the soil

After each watering or rain, loosening is required (as long as the condition of the bushes allows it). At first, a slight hilling of plants will also be useful, which stimulates the appearance of additional roots and, as a result, increases productivity. If hilling fails, fertile soil can be added to the roots. It is clear that these actions are accompanied by the removal of weeds.

What and how often to feed

If the garden bed was well seasoned with fertilizers, then up to fruit set, their eggplants should be enough. But in order for the harvest to be really worthy, these vegetables are often fed, almost every two weeks. The minimum number of dressings for the summer is three:

1. The first feeding should stimulate good growth bush, therefore, it is carried out shortly after the seedlings take root in the garden, that is, 15–20 days after planting - with a solution complex fertilizer(for example, nitroammofoski) strictly according to the instructions for the drug. If growth is too slow, a little more nitrogen can be added to this fertilizer, urea is best.
2. The second mandatory top dressing is in the bud opening phase. The composition of the nutrient solution is the same. You can use mullein infusion.
3. In the third top dressing, during the period of mass fruit growth, organic matter should not be added and the plant does not need nitrogen. Of the mineral fertilizers, only superphosphate and potassium sulfate will be required. Lovers of natural fertilizers can replace this mixture with wood ash infusion.

"Junk" fertilizer - ash - you can pour a lot under the bushes

The need for additional feeding will be demonstrated by the plants themselves: if the leaves change color, the fruits grow poorly or take on an ugly shape, then you need to look for the reason: the eggplant lacks some element. Sometimes they need minimal amount boron or molybdenum, but this problem is just well solved by ash. If growth is retarded before the formation of fruits, urea must be added, and if the growth of fruits is poor, even in favorable weather, you can safely pour ash right under the roots. Foliar top dressing for eggplant is rarely used.

Pasynkovanie eggplant

Most eggplant varieties and hybrids require proper bush formation to get a good harvest. There are various schemes (in one, two or several stems), in different cases one of them is suitable. When choosing a pruning method, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations for growing a particular variety. This is especially important in the case of greenhouse cultivation. In the open ground, where the areas allow the plant to turn around properly, and there is enough sun, gardeners rarely think about carefully forming a bush, but a number of operations to remove stepchildren must be carried out:

1. The first relatively painless operation on the eggplant bush is carried out when it grows up to 30 cm. The top is pinched on the main stem, which stimulates the formation of side shoots and the formation of a real bush.
2. The second time they stepchild when there are too many side shoots and their number has to be normalized. You can not leave more than five pieces - the plant does not have enough strength for them.

When pinching manually (with fingers or secateurs, as it is more convenient), remove the extra lateral processes or stepchildren (stems growing from the axils of the leaves). This operation allows the plant to save energy and direct them to the formation and growth of fruits. If no pinching is done at all, an abundant green mass may grow, and the fruits will remain small and unripe. Usually, they “walk” through the bushes once a week, breaking out stepchildren until they have grown more than 5 cm.

If the shoots clearly tend to grow in length, and the fruits on them have already formed in sufficient quantities, pinch the tops of the shoots, stopping their growth. At the same time, the bush will redirect nutrients to the development of ovaries.

If fruits have already formed on the eggplant bush, pinch the tops of the shoots, stopping their growth

All “green” operations on eggplants are stopped a month before the end of the season: further pinching is pointless, because wound healing also requires strength, and closer to autumn they should be directed to the ripening of the crop.

Video: pinching eggplant

Features of growing eggplant in open ground in the regions

In different regions, the possibility of growing eggplant depends mainly on the number of warm summer days. Therefore, the variety and place for planting (a garden bed or a greenhouse) are chosen according to the weather.

Moscow region

In the Moscow region, climatic conditions cannot be considered optimal for eggplants: the duration of the climatic summer here does not exceed 90 days. There is also little solar radiation: up to 2/3 of the light is absorbed by clouds. The humus layer in the soils is also insufficient, although this, of course, is corrected by additional application. organic fertilizers. Only the soils of the very south of the Moscow region are fertile enough.

Among the promising varieties and hybrids for the region are the following:

• Giselle F1,
• Agate F1,
• Alyonka.

Photo gallery: the best eggplant varieties for the Moscow region

Eggplant variety Agate F1 sets fruits well even with sudden temperature changes Early ripe eggplant variety Alyonka is adapted for growing in areas of risky farming Giselle F1 is an early ripening, cold-resistant, high-yielding eggplant hybrid with compact bushes

The varieties zoned for the North-West of Russia are also doing well. Difficulties arise when growing tall eggplants, so the correct formation of plants is of great importance. The warmest areas are allocated for beds, but eggplants are still initially grown under light film shelters. Shelter is periodically placed on the beds in the summer, if the temperature drops below 15 o C.

Eggplant in Siberia

Summer in many regions of Siberia, although warm, is short, so you can try to grow the most early-ripening eggplants in open ground, but first, of course, seedlings are planted under temporary shelters. The selection of varieties should be taken very seriously, most suitable:

• purple miracle,
• Nutcracker,
• Robin Hood,
• Siberian early.

They have time to ripen and easily tolerate temporary cold snaps. There are also varieties developed directly in the Siberian research institutes, for example, Globus. And although it gives only 3-4 fruits per bush, the fruits are very large and tasty.

Photo gallery: the best eggplant varieties for Siberia

Eggplant variety Globus has unusual shape fruits that really look like a globe From planting seedlings to technical ripeness of eggplant fruits Nutcracker F1 takes only 45 days Robin Hood eggplant bushes reach a height of 1 m
Eggplant variety Violet Miracle has a long period of transition from technical ripeness of fruits to biological. Low, compact eggplant bush Siberian early gives a rich harvest even in Siberia

IN Lately the film in shelters is replaced with acrylic materials: they are easier to handle, they let air and moisture through and regulate heat better. Eggplants can be left completely without shelters only for the two warmest months.

Video: Siberian eggplant harvest

Ukraine

Almost throughout Ukraine, the cultivation of eggplant does not cause problems. Only the very north of the country is somewhat similar in climate to the Moscow region, and even then it is a little warmer. In Ukraine, most eggplant varieties and hybrids work well in open ground.

In the southern regions, special attention has to be paid to irrigation, when solving this problem, yields are obtained as much as possible. In addition, plants are fed every 2-3 weeks, each time increasing the dose of fertilizer. In the southernmost regions, it is possible to grow eggplant without seedlings, by direct sowing of seeds in a garden bed in mid-April. In the north of the country, there is not always enough light and heat, therefore they are limited to varieties of early ripening.

Suitable eggplant varieties for Ukraine:

• Epic F1,
• Albatross,
• Globular.

Photo gallery: the best eggplant varieties for Ukraine

The Epic F1 eggplant variety is famous for its high yields The Albatross eggplant variety reaches technical maturity in 110-116 days
Eggplant variety Spherical - mid-season, fruit weight reaches 700 g

Sowing seeds into the ground is unacceptable here, and seedlings are planted on ridges with introduced biofuel (manure, grass, straw). In some cases, temporary and light shelters are used.

Belarus

The Belarusian climate is very similar to the one near Moscow, although somewhat milder. It is impossible to grow late eggplant varieties here without a greenhouse, and the culture cannot be in open ground for more than 100 days. Eggplants are planted with seedlings, the seeds for which are sown at home or in a greenhouse at the very beginning of spring. Popular varieties:

• Baikal F1,
• black beauty,
• Swan.

Photo gallery: the best eggplant varieties for Belarus

The flesh of the eggplant fruit Baikal F1 is dense, light green in color, without bitterness. Eggplant of the Lebediny variety really resembles a beautiful white swan in color.

Corn, sunflower, peas are sown next to the plantings of eggplants, which act as backstage for protection from the winds.

It is known that Belarus is a republic specializing in potatoes. In this regard, the problem of the Colorado potato beetle, which loves eggplants very much, is acute - we constantly have to conduct an intensive fight against these pests. As a preventive measure, ordinary wood ash is used, which is applied under eggplants in increased quantities.

Many fell in love with the unusual taste of eggplant, wide choose which are available in grocery stores. But every summer resident wants to feast on this representative of nightshade with own garden. However, eggplant cultivation and outdoor care have subtleties that you should get to know before you get to work.

Eggplant varieties for open ground

Today, breeders have bred many varieties of various colors: traditional blue, striped, red, orange and green varieties. Their taste qualities very similar, but for decoration holiday table usage multi-colored palette is an excellent solution.

Vegetable growers opt for varieties that have proven to be high-yielding and versatile for different agro-climatic zones of cultivation.

Black handsome.

A popular high-yielding variety in areas with hot summers. Among the advantages stand out: weight of 200 g, excellent taste without bitterness, disease resistance and suitability for long-term storage.

Diamond.

The variety, recognized by many gardeners for its delicate taste, has cylindrical fruits with a weight of 100–200 g and a maximum length of 20 cm. The vegetable is colored in the traditional purple color.

Albatross.

It is also a high-yielding variety, the blue-violet fruits of which have a pleasant-tasting pulp without a bitter aftertaste. The vegetable is distinguished by a shortened shape resembling a pear and a mass of 450 g.

Epic.

Hybrid, early dates maturation of which allows it to be cultivated in different agrozones, also demonstrates high level productivity and resistance to a wide range of diseases.

Basic requirements for growing

Although the plant belongs to the Solanaceae family, the requirements for its cultivation are not the same as the rules for growing tomatoes, peppers and other representatives.

• Eggplants need more heat: a temperature drop below 20°C leads to a cessation of plant pollination and fruit development.
• Return frosts are detrimental to the culture.
• Moisture deficiency provokes the fall of flowers and ovaries, and also causes the formation of ugly fruits.
• The plant needs bright, but not long-term lighting - a maximum of 12 hours.
• Light and fertile soil is the key to a good harvest.

Growing eggplant: planting and care in the open field. Eggplant is a nightshade crop. This is a very tasty and healthy culture. Proper cultivation of eggplant can provide a gardener good harvest. And after ripening, it is used for cooking, canning or selling.

The article will describe in detail how to grow eggplants in the open field, from seedling planning to harvesting and storing the crop.

Features of growing eggplant

Like any other garden crop, eggplant requires certain conditions for growth and development.

Temperature environment should not fall below +18 degrees

• The ambient temperature should not fall below +18 degrees during the growing season of the crop. Otherwise, growth stops.
• Return frosts, significant cooling can destroy the entire crop. They are especially dangerous for young seedlings, as they are the weakest and most susceptible to any weather changes.
• Light day should fluctuate within 8-12 hours. Southern varieties of light need more than those bred in the middle and northern regions. It is very important to control this moment, and here it is worth noting that it is the greenhouse cultivation of eggplant that simplifies the process, since artificial lighting can be easily installed in greenhouses.
• Culture grows on any land, but largest yields are always collected exclusively from plants grown on fertile and light soil.

Compliance with all these conditions, or at least most of them, can provide the gardener with the maximum yield.

Where to plant eggplant?

The first thing you need to decide when growing eggplant is a place. Usually, gardeners do the planning of the site in the winter, simply drawing on a piece of paper - this autumn simplifies the task. Eggplants need a bright and draft-free place if they are planted in open ground. For planting in a greenhouse, you just need good soil.

All you need is good soil for planting in a greenhouse.

As mentioned above, eggplants love light soil, so they will grow on loam and sandy soil without problems. In all other cases, you need to use tricky tricks.

• If the earth is heavy, it should be diluted with humus, river sand, peat. These substances loosen the soil.
• Sod and humus are usually added to peat land in equal proportions.
• The sandy soil is light, but not nutritious, so it is not suitable for eggplant. The addition of peat, sawdust and clay soil can improve its quality indicators.

Fertilizer in the ground for planting eggplant must be applied very carefully. Fresh manure is acceptable only for autumn plowing. In the spring, you can take humus or mineral fats.

Since this crop, even in hot regions, is usually grown by seedlings, it is necessary to fertilize the land in the fall so that it freezes well and mixes with fertilizers during the winter. They drip 30 cm deep, in addition to manure, you can add superphosphate or potassium sulfate in granules.

Eggplant cultivation can be carried out near tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, but after all these crops, as well as potatoes, they are not planted. But after carrots, onions, early cabbage, peas, watermelons, they grow well.

When to plant eggplant?

The planting time for eggplant depends largely on the location, climate, and variety.

Sowing dates

• In unheated greenhouses, the period may fall in early May.
• In heated greenhouses, planting is carried out already in mid-April.
• IN open ground it is worth planting a crop in early May only in hot regions or under a film.
• Closer to the beginning of summer, it is possible, without fear and without building a shelter, to plant eggplants in any climatic region and in any area (greenhouse, open ground). The temperature at this time is more than acceptable for them.
• If a gardener sows seeds in the ground, then this should be done when upper layer soil warms up to 15 degrees above zero.

How to prepare eggplant seedlings?

Growing eggplants in open ground, and sometimes in a greenhouse, as a rule, begins with harvesting seedlings. It has been prepared since the beginning of spring. It is not difficult to do it, but you need to be attentive to the sprouts, monitor their condition, so that in which case you can correct the situation in time.

Growing eggplant in the open field begins with harvesting seedlings

1. The first thing you need to prepare seedlings is soil. This can be a store-bought seedling mixture or specially prepared soil - humus, sand and turf in a ratio of 3: 1: 5. You can also add mineral fertilizers (potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen) there.
2. Seeds before sowing are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes, and then kept in hot water(+50 degrees) twenty minutes. After such hardening, they are placed on a cotton cloth, wrapped and poured with warm water. After that, the rag is placed on a saucer, covered with a film and put in a warm place. After 1-2 days, the seeds will hatch, and they can be sown.
3. sown planting material goosebumps, but not very thick. Between the rows, a distance of 5-10 cm is observed.
4. When the seeds are sown, the box is covered with foil and placed in a room with a temperature of +25 degrees.
5. When seedlings appear, the seedlings are moved to a warm window sill and the temperature is reduced to +15 during the day and to +13 at night for 5-7 days, and only then again raised to +18 ... +25 degrees. It is at this temperature that eggplant seedlings should be grown before transplanting into open ground.
6. Fertilizers are applied 2 times. The first time a solution of superphosphate, urea and potassium salt is added (but the solution must be very weak) after the appearance of 2 leaves. The second time the sprouts are fed 2 weeks after the first feeding with the same agent.
7. 14 days before planting seedlings in open soil or a greenhouse, the seedlings are hardened off. They must be taken out during the day to the balcony, street, and leave the window at night.

Transplanting to a permanent place is done only when the sprouts have 5 true leaves, and when they reach 10 cm in height. However, if the threat of return frosts has not passed, it is worth delaying planting until the onset of warm days.

Preparing the garden for planting eggplant

The land for growing eggplants is usually fertilized in the fall, as mentioned above, but if for some reason this could not be done, the procedure is postponed to spring. 2-3 weeks before planting seedlings, they dig up the ground, adding urea, superphosphate and humus to it. The amount depends on the quality and type of soil. Usually all the necessary proportions are indicated on the fertilizer packages.

After digging, the earth needs to be loosened, leveled, and all large tubercles should be broken. This is done about 1 week before planting the crop or 2-3 days (as time permits).

The beds are made 30 cm high and up to 1 meter wide. There should be approximately 30-40 cm of free space between them.

The beds are made 30 cm high and up to 1 meter wide. There should be approximately 30-40 cm of free space between them. Thanks to this height, the roots of the seedlings will not freeze, and the culture will be able to develop faster. Any length of the bed is acceptable - it all depends on the preferences, needs of the gardener and the size of the site itself.

After defining the boundaries, you need to level the ground again and pour it abundantly with Effekton fertilizer. Instead, you can use a hot solution of mullein. However, if the land was fertilized in the spring, it is not worth using fertilizer, since the soil will already be fertile.

The day before the transplant procedure, seedlings are watered as best as possible. Also, watering is done right before taking the sprouts out of the container (this simplifies the procedure).

Planting eggplant in open ground

The day before the transplant procedure, the seedlings are watered as best as possible.

Growing eggplants in open ground or greenhouses is carried out in pits. Holes are made in the garden with an interval of 40-50 cm. The more compact the bush is, the less distance you can make. Each well is watered with water and one sprout should be planted in this mud. After planting, the earth is compacted, you can immediately lay a layer of mulch (peat, chopped straw) around the seedlings.

If the gardener uses the seed method of growing eggplants, then this can be done using the line method and then thinning out the seedlings. The second option is to immediately plant the planting material at a distance of 10-20 cm and, after the sprouts appear and grow, plant them 40-50 cm. germinated can wither.

How to properly care for eggplant?

Growing eggplant means permanent care after them. Otherwise, plants sensitive to changes in climate and conditions will wither, and the agrarians will not wait for the harvest.

• If eggplants grow in open ground, for the first time it is worth stretching a transparent film or white agrofibre over them on wire arcs. Such a shelter is removed around the middle of June, but throughout the summer it is worth monitoring the weather and, in case of significant cold snaps, again build a shelter for eggplant, even if the fruits are already ripening on them.
• To make the sprouts grow faster, they are often loosened. It is loosening that contributes to the rapid growth of eggplant in the first 14 days after planting in a permanent place. Loosening is carried out all summer, about once a week.

Growing eggplants involves constant care for them.

• Watering begins 2 weeks after transplanting to a greenhouse or open ground. After the plants have taken root, they need to be watered so that the earth is slightly damp all the time. Lack of moisture can lead to malformation of fruits and premature wilting of plants, and, that is, a reduction in yield.
• The first top dressing should be done 7-10 days after planting the seedlings. Instead of watering at this time, spraying is carried out in the evening. Urea can be added to this water, it will feed the weakened sprouts. The second time when growing eggplants, top dressing is done 20 days after the first, mineral fertilizers or manure solution ( bird droppings). The third top dressing falls on the beginning of fruiting, and for this you can use the same solution of bird droppings, manure or complex mineral fertilizer.
• An important point of care is the removal of weeds, since it is through them that diseases and pests are most often transmitted to cultivated plants.
• An additional point of care, but not the main one (it may not be carried out), is hilling. Thanks to the hilling with early age adventitious roots develop in eggplant, and the yield increases by 1.5-2 times.

When to harvest?

Ripe fruits can be harvested 30 days after flowering.

Proper cultivation eggplant in the open field or greenhouse can provide a gardener big harvest. Ripe fruits can be harvested 30 days after flowering. By this time, they should reach an impressive size, become glossy, acquire a skin color that is natural for a particular variety.

If the eggplants are overripe, they will acquire a different color and their taste will deteriorate significantly. It will become more bitter and the skin will be very rough. Eggplants are harvested by simply cutting them with a knife or secateurs along with the stalk, although they are often simply torn off - they usually break well, like sweet peppers.

VIDEO - 10 commandments for growing eggplant

It is important to choose the right time for the transplant. Eggplants are very thermophilic, the soil should warm up to 12-13 degrees. Usually the soil reaches this temperature in the second half of May. In accordance with folk omens, the ideal time for transplanting eggplants into beds and cold greenhouses will be the season of mass flowering of dandelions.

If the cold spring is prolonged, the process of heating the soil can be accelerated, covering the beds with a double layer polyethylene film or opaque nonwoven fabric. When moving plants into open ground, more drastic measures can be taken by building a temporary shelter over the beds. Arcs of strong wire are stuck into the ground, over which it is pulled plastic film. In such an impromptu greenhouse, seedlings feel comfortable and are not afraid of sudden frosts. Seedlings can be planted in heated greenhouses all year round.

Most varieties are ready for transplanting at the age of 20-25 days after germination. In accordance with this, the time of sowing seeds is calculated. If it is planned to grow eggplants in open ground, they are transplanted in the second half of April and transplanted in early June. For planting under the film, the seeds are sown in late March-early April, moving young plants to the beds on May 10-15. For film and glazed greenhouses, seedlings have been grown since the end of March, and on April 15 they are ready to move to a permanent place of residence.

When choosing a landing time, it is necessary to take into account the eggplant variety. For better fruiting some hybrids are recommended to be planted later than the indicated dates by 5-10 days. More adult seedling takes root better and forms ovaries faster. It is worth focusing on appearance young plants. Ideal seedlings are strong, with thick, juicy stems and bright, not drooping greens. It is desirable to have 4-5 true leaves.

Stems should not be too elongated. If transplanting to beds is delayed, seedlings in containers are recommended to be treated with special preparations that slow down growth. Light formulations of Camposan or TUR, which are safe for plants, will do. The drugs do not slow down the formation of buds and the formation of ovaries, eggplant stems become stronger, the appearance of seedlings improves.

Soil preparation

Before moving the seedlings, the soil must be prepared. W the earth is carefully loosened, plant remains and small debris are selected from it. A portion of humus or peat is introduced into the soil. The lighter the soil, the higher the eggplant yield.. In the greenhouse, it is recommended to update the top layer of soil annually. For greater safety, it can be spilled with a solution of potassium permanganate. It is advisable to use the same land that was used for growing seedlings, the adaptation of young plants will be more successful.

Wells are best prepared before planting. A portion of rotted manure is added to each and sprinkled with a light layer of peat. It's good to shed holes hot water and let them cool down. The distance between the bushes varies from 40 to 50 cm and depends on the variety of eggplant. More compact plants can be planted more densely. Row spacing of at least 70 cm is required.

Eggplant transplant: step by step

Transplantation of young plants Best done in the morning on a warm sunny day.

1. Cups with eggplant seedlings are gently turned over. It is impossible to pull the stems, the seedlings are fragile and easily injured. The plant is taken together in a clod of earth, braided with roots. It is not necessary to shake off the soil. Seedlings grown in peat pots or tablets are not removed from their containers.
2. The seedling moves into the hole. The depth should correspond to an earthen coma, it is undesirable to crush the roots. The seedling is buried to the cotyledon leaves, the surface of the earthy coma is covered with fresh soil by 2-3 cm. It is impossible to bury the plants too deep, this can provoke the appearance of a black leg. Leaving the roots on the surface is also not worth it.
3. The soil around the plant is carefully pressed by hand.. It is impossible to compact it tightly, but you should not allow further erosion of the soil. Each seedling is watered with warm settled water (at least 1-2 liters).
4. Top soil is mulched. You can use humus, peat or straw. But whiter convenient option- cover the ground with a dark opaque film or other opaque nonwoven fabric, in which holes for plants are cut. Such a shelter will protect the eggplant from a sudden drop in temperature, reduce adaptation time and protect against weeds.

Attention! Immediately after transplanting, the eggplants are tied up. Perfect option- rope trellis. A rack is strengthened above the bed, to which strong, thin ropes are attached.

Planting eggplant seeds: material preparation

You can do without growing seedlings at home by sowing eggplant seeds directly into the ground. seeds pre-scrambled, empty and deformed are rejected. Some gardeners prefer to sow seeds dry, believing that newly emerging sprouts are easily injured. Others soak the seed in a small amount warm water or wrap them in a damp cloth to swell. The choice of method depends on the eggplant variety and personal preferences.

Before sowing open beds seeds can be hardened. They are wrapped in a damp cloth, wait for the sprouts to appear, and then the seed is sent to the lower chamber of the refrigerator for a day. This procedure increases the immunity of plants, makes them immune to adverse weather conditions.

Another tried and tested method seed warming. It takes place at a temperature of 60 degrees, lasts about 2 hours. Then the seed for 12 hours is placed in an aqueous solution of manganese sulfate, potassium nitrate and superphosphate.

Sowing in the ground: step by step instructions

It is better to plant eggplant seeds in the second half of May and early June.

1. The beds are being prepared, cleaned of debris and fertilized with a generous portion of humus.
2. The soil must be well loosened and make furrows 5-7 cm deep.
3. In them seeds are sown at a distance of 10-20 cm. The distance depends on the variety, usually more accurate data is indicated on the seed packaging.

Reference! Early-ripening eggplants can be planted more densely, late-ripening ones need free space.

Another option is also possible.

1. in the ground holes are made, the same as when planting seedlings.
2. The distance between the holes is about 20 cm, row spacing - at least 40 cm. A little rotted manure is laid out in each hole and sprinkled with a layer of peat.
3. Sown in 4-5 seeds.

This option is convenient when growing on trellises.

Furrows or holes warm settled water from a watering can. Then they are sprinkled with soil and lightly tamped with palms. The stand of the substrate should be very thin, no more than 1 cm. Some gardeners prefer not to cover the seeds, leaving them on the surface. In this case, the surface of the soil with crops is covered with a film or glass. Landings can be insulated by covering with straw mats.