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Mistake #1 When Planting Eggplants - Don't Repeat It
28.02.2025 19:10
Eggplants are not growing, although you did everything according to the instructions?
Chances are you planted them too early. This mistake is the leading cause of failure.
Let's figure out why haste ruins eggplants and how to choose the right time.
Why early is bad
Eggplants are native to hot India, and cold is a death blow for them. The University of Georgia warns that soil temperatures below 70°F (21°C) stop root growth, while nights below 60°F (16°C) cause stress.
Eventually, the plants either die or produce small fruits. Rosalind Creasy in The Edible Garden writes: "Eggplants are like capricious guests: they need warmth and comfort."
I once planted them in April, when it was +20°C during the day and +10°C at night - half of the seedlings were gone.
When to plant
Wait until the soil warms up to 21–24°C and the nights become consistently warm. In the middle zone, this is usually the end of May or the beginning of June.
Check the temperature with a thermometer or rely on nature: cherry blossoms are a signal that the soil is ready. If you have a greenhouse, you can risk it a couple of weeks earlier, but with heating.
How to save from the cold
If you have already planted and the weather turns bad, cover the eggplants with agrofibre or plastic caps. Companions like tall tomatoes also help - they protect from the wind.
Patience is your best friend: give your eggplants warmth and they will reward you with a harvest!
