VEGETABLE - EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena)
|The eggplant is a native of India and a relative of tomato, potato and pepper. It can be started early indoors, but most gardeners set out transplants from the garden center. Space plants 18" apart with 2-3' between rows. To properly rotate crops, do not plant in the same space occupied by tomato, potato or pepper the previous two years. Eggplants love heat. With proper irrigation they will continue to develop and produce fruit throughout the summer.|
|Use a complete fertilizer at planting and make a second application after the first harvest.
The most common problem with eggplant are flea beetles which eat tiny holes in the leaves. Too small to hand pick, the beetles are easily controlled with insecticides labeled for use in the vegetable garden.
Use pruning shears to harvest the fruit. The stems are tough; twisting and pulling to harvest will only damage the plant. Plan on harvesting when the fruit is still small, about 6-8", and the skin is shiny. Over mature fruit with dull skin and a spongy interior should be discarded. 'Black Beauty' is a standard color and shape. 'Ichiban' is long and thin, and 'Casper' a white-fruited variety.
For more information see OSUE Fact sheet on Growing Eggplant in the home garden http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1609.html