"Like most kids, I grew up saying "yuk" to eggplant," says gardener Rebecca Kolls, "but today it seems like everywhere you turn people are tantalizing their tastebuds with this tropical vegetable. If you decide to grow your own, you may be surprised at how many different varieties of eggplant are available."
They're purple, white and even striped, ranging from long and thin to short and round. There are now more than 80 varieties of eggplant. The flavors vary depending on the vareity; some can be a tad bitter. But the long and slender Asian types are more mild-tasting. And the white eggplant are the sweetest of all.
No matter which variety you choose, planting is the same. You have two choices--pick up transplants at the garden center or start your own from seed. If you do the latter, you'll have more varieties to choose from. Just be sure you plant them six to eight weeks before you're going to plant them outdoors.
So when is a safe time to plant outdoors? After all threats of frost are gone. Remember, these are tropical plants that like warm conditions. And the soil temperature has to be warm enough too. Keep an eye on the chives: When they're in bloom, it's time for the eggplant to go in. As far as planting, choose a location with six to eight hours of sun a day and well-drained soil. Amend the soil well. We use compost, alafalfa mulch and cow manure.
Start by digging a hole as deep as the container. Carefully remove the eggplant. Place it in the hole and cover it up. Be sure to label each variety and try to space each plant about two feet apart. Space rows three to four feet apart.
After they're planted, keep them well watered. Don't fertilize until small fruits form. If there's any threat of frost or cold temps, keep them covered overnight. Cut off the bottom of a plastic milk or juice jug, and slip it over the top. This is a perfect cloche that will keep them warm overnight. Once you've got the plants going, sit back and wait.
As the weather warms up, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This helps the soil retain water while keeping competition from weeds at bay.Once the plants set flowers, which then grows into small fruits, it's time to fertilize with fish emulsion every three to four weeks. This will boost your bounty and help avoid pest problems.
The best part about growing eggplant is that you can harvest the fruit once it is set, because the younger the eggplant, the sweeter the taste. If you wait too long, it will taste bitter. Make sure the skin of the eggplant is nice and glossy. When you press into it, make sure there is no indentation; that means the eggplant is ready to be eaten. Time to maturity is usually three to four months.
You'll need a pair of sharpened pruners when harvesting eggplant. The stems tend to be tough and woody, not to mention laden with tiny spines. Simply cut the stem half of the way from the eggplant. Like all vegetables, the more prudent you are when picking your eggplant, the more fruits the plant will produce.
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