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Eggplants require a long growing season so are typically grown in the garden from nursery or indoor-started transplants. Transplant the eggplant seedlings outdoors two or three weeks after the last frost, once daytime temperatures are averaging over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
When should I transplant eggplant?
Eggplant seedlings will be ready to transplant in six to eight weeks. Harden off the seedlings carefully by gradually reducing ambient temps and easing off on watering. Wait until the weather has settled, with no chance of frost and the soil is warm before transplanting.
How tall should eggplant seedlings be before transplanting?
When Are Eggplant Seedlings Ready for Transplanting If you started your eggplants from seeds, make sure the seedlings are from 6 to 8 inches tall. They should have at least three sets of leaves. When the seedlings are this size, they are strong enough to grow deep roots into the soil.
How do you transplant eggplant?
Set eggplant seedlings out in the garden so that the shoots are at the soil line as they were before transplanting. Scrape the dry surface soil from the planting area. With a hand shovel, make a hole large enough to receive easily the root ball of the transplant. Firm the soil around the roots and water the transplant.
How long do seedlings need before transplanting?
The ideal time for transplanting your seedlings is about 3 weeks after they sprout or when you have 1-2 sets of true leaves. It’s better to get them in new containers before they start to show the signs of stress listed below.
Do eggplants need full sun?
As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Keep in mind, though, that no vegetable can thrive in deep, dense shade.
Can you plant eggplant and tomatoes together?
Tomatoes are often used as eggplant companions. Again, be sure not to shade the eggplant. Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.
How do you repot eggplant seedlings?
Use a butter knife, narrow trowel, or even just a long nail to prick the seedlings from their containers. If there is more than one seedling in your container, gently tease them apart for repotting. Place them in the new pot, lightly tamping the soil. Have a stack of labels ready to go and give each pot a fresh tag.
How do I Transplant eggplant seedlings into my garden?
Sow seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep. Use individual peat or coir pots to reduce root disturbance when transplanting. Transplant after night time temperatures are steadily 10°C (50°F) or warmer. Space with 45-60cm (18-24″) between plants.
Can eggplants be transplanted?
Eggplants require a long growing season so are typically grown in the garden from nursery or indoor-started transplants. Transplant the eggplant seedlings outdoors two or three weeks after the last frost, once daytime temperatures are averaging over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much space does an eggplant need?
Eggplants grow into tall, angular plants, so they should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Improve planting holes by mixing in 2 inches of compost to help hold moisture and fertilizer in the soil. Set plants at the same depth at which they are growing in their containers, and water well before spreading mulch.
How many eggplants do you get per plant?
The standard eggplant produces egg-shaped, glossy, purple-black fruit. ‘Black Beauty’ is the traditional eggplant size. One plant produces 4 to 6 large rounded fruit.
When should I repot my seedlings?
When To Repot Seedlings they have grown to be twice as tall as the height of the container they’re in. there are a lot of roots growing out of the bottom of the seed cells (i.e.: they’re pot-bound) they’ve stopped growing larger, or their growth is stunted.
When should I transplant my seedlings outside?
The general rule of thumb is that when a seedling has three to four true leaves, it’s large enough to plant out in the garden (after it has been hardened off). When you plant a seed, the first leaves to emerge are the cotyledons. These leaves will look different from leaves that will grow later.
What do I do after my seeds sprout indoors?
Check your seed trays daily for germination, mist with water if the soil surface has dried out, and wait for seeds to emerge from the soil. Once the seeds sprout, remove the humidity dome and place the trays under lights. Keep the lights within 2-inches of the tops of seedlings.
Can eggplant grow in shade?
Growing eggplants outdoors requires full sun. Try planting them on a south-facing area of your yard once they are larger than 3 inches. Ample sunlight provides the energy needed for large fruit production through photosynthesis.
How often should Eggplant be watered?
Watering. Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots.
What should you not plant next to eggplant?
Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel.
What can you not plant near tomatoes?
Plants that should not share space with tomatoes include the Brassicas, such as broccoli and cabbage. Corn is another no-no, and tends to attract tomato fruit worm and/or corn ear worm. Kohlrabi thwarts the growth of tomatoes and planting tomatoes and potatoes increases the chance of potato blight disease.
What should I plant next to tomatoes?
Most wisdom around companion planting is anecdotal, but these are some of the tried and true partners for tomatoes: Basil. Basil and tomatoes are soulmates on and off the plate. Parsley. Garlic. Borage and squash. French marigolds and nasturtiums. Asparagus. Chives.
How do you transplant seedlings after germination?
Transplanting and Hardening Off Spoon out the seedlings to avoid damaging the stem by lifting them. Use a good sterile soil again and water them well immediately. You can use any container, but peat pots and other compostable materials allow for easy insertion into the garden bed without damaging roots.
How do you transfer seedlings to pots?
Handle seedlings by their leaves to avoid damaging the tender stems. Poke a hole in the new container’s planting mix, place the seedling in the hole, and firm soil around it. Water the transplant right away. Keep the containers out of direct sunlight for a few days to let the transplants recover from the move.
