![]() ![]() Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Keep weeds under control during the growing season. ![]() Use a container at least 18-24 inches wide and deep and use a commercial potting mix rather than garden soil. This settles the plants in, drives out air pockets and results in good root-to-soil contact.Įggplants may also be planted in containers. Water thoroughly, so that a puddle forms in the saucer you have created. It is very difficult to tell which variety is which from the foliage. This is particularly important if you are trying different varieties. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.Įggplants should be set 2-3 feet apart in a row with the rows spaced 3-4 feet apart.ĭig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.Ĭarefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root development.įill the planting hole with soil to the top and press soil down firmly with your hand leaving a slight depression around the plant to hold water. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Make sure you did not grow tomatoes, peppers, eggplant or potatoes in the bed the previous year to avoid disease problems. #Eggplant seedlings full#Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil. ![]() This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 3 pairs of leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots Harden Off Eggplant Seedlingsīefore planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting formulaĪs soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath LED grow lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Sow eggplant seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost in spring using a seed starting kit. ![]()
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