Eggplant seed starting how to#
Eggplant seed starting full#

We continue to start seedlings through late winter.

This is why I always plant at least double the number of plants that I need… in case I lose them in a late season frost. Transplanting time for these frost sensitive plants is more toward April 1 st, but if the weather is warm, sometimes I try to plant them early. These plants can be started 6-8 weeks before we plant them outside, so starting them now will have nice sized plants ready to go by mid-March. This Organic Eggplant Seedling Kit Contains: Pots, Markers & Instructions 1 Mini Coconut Husk Starter Pot 1 Quick Start Guide Seeds 1 Packet of Plant. If we wait to start them from seed in April, they will not get a chance to mature before summertime heat, and production will be limited.īy starting these plants now, they will have been growing for two months by the time we plant them outdoors, and will have a chance to produce veggies before the heat settles in.

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and basil cannot be planted outdoors until after the last frost. The next few weeks are the perfect time to start seeds for summertime veggies that benefit from an early start. Keep the soil moist by spraying with a mist of water each day and keeping a small pool of water in the bottom of the tray. Seeds will germinate best with soil temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. If using a grow lamp, seeds can handle up to 16 hours of light each day. Place the tray in direct sunlight or under a grow lamp. Also put some water in the bottom of the seed greenhouse and put the clear cover on. Eggplant seedlings can be transplanted after. This prevents disturbing the seed or washing it away. Start seeds in punnets or small pots filled with seed raising mix. Water the soil by spraying with a mister. Follow the seed packet instructions to know how deep to plant the seed. To get some seeds started, fill the tray with soil, and add one seed to each pod. If the seedlings do not get enough sunlight, they get leggy and weak. The seedlings also need as much sunlight as possible, and if adequate sunlight is not possible, a grow lamp. A packet of seeds that will yield dozens or hundreds of plants often costs less than one plant already started plant at the garden center.Īll it takes to start your own seeds is seed starting soil, trays, and a way to keep the soil from drying out, like a seed starting greenhouse. You can even grow foods that are not available in the supermarket.Īlso, the cost savings is huge. By starting from seed instead of buying seedlings from a garden store, you will have a much larger variety of vegetables to choose from and can grow some really unique plants and heirloom varieties. Don’t let them get much larger than 6 inches.Growing plants from seed can be one of the more rewarding parts of gardening. Harvest once the fruit turns dark brown and glossy.

Eggplant seed starting how to#

Learn more about how to manage pests and attract beneficial insects in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App! Harvesting:Įggplants should be ready for harvest in approximately 80-90 days. We strive to grow food without the use of pesticide and luckily there are natural solutions for most of these nasty pests! The pests listed below are common pests for eggplants: Pests can be one of the most difficult challenges you face in the garden. See companion plants for 80+ foods in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web app! Pests: Herbs are especially great companion plants because they help to repel pests from your other plants! Good Sometimes certain plants attract the same pests, so it is important to try and separate these. Some plants get too tall and can provide too much shade for your plant. There are also plants that do not like being next to each other. To grow eggplants, youd have to start them indoors, first, for about 9 weeks.

Companion plants assist in the growth of others by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or providing nutrients, shade, or support. Eggplants will require plenty of water! Companion Plants:Ĭompanion planting is a vital part of organic gardening. Take care to notice what plants are around the area as well, see the companion plant section below.

Eggplant seed starting full#

Plant eggplant seeds 1/4 inch deep, 1 per square foot, in the full sun. You can see specific dates for your location using our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App. Eggplants can be planted throughout the summer up until 14 weeks before your first fall frost. Plant eggplant seeds indoors 7 weeks before your last spring frost and outdoors 1-2 weeks after your last spring frost. It really likes the heat and doesn’t tolerate cold well, so it’s better to transplant after all threat of frost has passed than starting from seed. Eggplant is certainly one of the best looking vegetables we’ve grown.