Eggplants belong to the nightshade family. It is related to the tomatoes and peppers. These three are the prime ingredients of the Mediterranean vegetable stew called Ratatouille. It is tricky to grow an eggplant. The seedlings are normally grown indoors or in a greenhouse. It takes 8 weeks for the seedlings to sprout. The seedlings require moist soil, warm and lots of sunshine. As this plant requires a lot patience to grow, most people prefer to purchase the seedlings from the nurseries. When buying the seedlings, it is recommended that they are purchased in individual pots. Eggplant roots are sensitive and needs minimal root disturbance when transplanting.
When growing the seedling in the greenhouse, start preparing the seeds 8 weeks before you intend to transplant them. Apply a layer of vermiculite over the potting soil before you plant the seeds. Sow three seeds ¼ inch (0.75 centimeters) in each pot. And water them consistently. When the seedlings reach 2 inches (5 centimeters), clip off the two weakest ones. Reduce the temperature as the seedlings grow.
Select a good sunny spot to plant the eggplant. Avoid the vicinity of peppers and tomatoes. Do not plant in the same soil where tomatoes, peppers and eggplants have just previously been grown. These plants are related and they are vulnerable to the same diseases. Soil with humus and 5-10-5 fertilizer is recommended to be used where the eggplant will be transplanted. The transplant is recommended to done late in the afternoon so the tender seedlings will not wilt in the sun. The soil must first be drenched and when the water have drained down, the seedlings can be transplanted. Space the seedlings 3 feet (90 centimeters) apart. Leave a slight depression around each plant. This will enable the soil to hold the water. Immediately water the seedlings. The pots must be kept in a warm place and germination will take place in 3 weeks.
The plant will flourish if the soil is consistently kept moist. Mulch is recommended as this will keep the water from the soil immediately evaporating. Mulch will also prevent weed growth. When available, use black plastic mulch as this will also help keep the soil warm. When weeding is necessary, use your hand. When the eggplant flowers bloom, maintain only up to a maximum of 6 fruits per plant. Remove the extra flowers by pinching any extra blossom. When the fruits are ready to be harvested, do not pull off the fruit from the stalk. This will damage the plant as the stalk may be pulled with the fruit. Use a sharp knife or a scissors to cut the stem about an inch (2.5 centimeters) below the fruit. Once the sheen is gone from the fruit, it is way past its prime.
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April 29th, 2010 | 
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Posted in landscape gardening supplies 3 | 
Tags: garden supplies, Gardening, Gardens, landscape, lanscaping, Tree, Trimming | 
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