Malvert the Janitor - Sage Northcock - Id go ahead check the thread called "Yair vs Frankie - I bet Yair makes it look easy" to see how much of a douchebag this guy is before commenting here. :)
In fact it was to be a thread for the OP to eat crow but Malv was such an asshat to everyone in the thread that it turned into a roast session for HIM instead. Then he tried the "to cool to eat crow" routine that all the dudes with asinine post counts attempt.
Now hes attention whoring in yet ANOTHER thread about himself.
I dont have a fun insult for you though. Not worth the humor.
I agree!
They should check that thread and THEN come give me hell here! Thanks!
Eggplant Harvesting Tips
Ripe fruits will be glossy, with a slight give when you gently press your finger on the skin. Picking before they are fully grown is fine and will encourage more fruit set.
It is best to cut, not pull. Eggplant stems are prickly, you might want to wear gloves
Don’t let the fruits get over-ripe. They will be bitter and full of seeds. And the plants will stop producing more fruits.
Store in the refrigerator. They are bets used within a couple of days, but should last up to 2 weeks.
Don’t cut until you are ready to prepare it, the flesh discolors almost as soon as it is exposed to air.
Eggplant Growing Tips
Soil: Eggplants need a moderately rich, well-draining soil. It helps to work in several inches of compost or other organic matter before planting. Although not particular about soil pH, a neutral to slighly acidic (6.5 - 6.8) pH is ideal.
Planting: Plants should not be placed outdoors until well after your last frost date.
There is nothing to be gained by starting them too early. They will not start setting fruits until evening temperatures remain in the 70s F.
Start seed indoors, about 8 - 12 weeks before your last frost date. Eggplants are slow starters, especially if you cannot provide them with warm temperatures. Ideal germination temperature is around 75 F. A heating mat and a plastic cover over your seed tray will help keep it warm. If you can’t provide that, try starting them on top of your refrigerator. (Be sure to move them into a light, as soon as the seeds germinate.)
Whether you start with seeds or purchased seedlings, give the plants plenty of time to harden off. Transplant in the garden at least 2 weeks after your last frost date. Wait longer if temperatures remain cool.
Space plants about 2 - 3 ft.
apart. They will branch out and will need the extra air room.
Eggplants need warmth. Planting in raised beds or containers can kick start the season in cooler climates. You can pre-warm the soil with black plastic or even cover the plants with a floating row cover, for insulation. (The row cover will need to be removed when the flowers appear, to ensure pollination.)
In cooler climates, growing eggplants in black, plastic pots will give you an edge. The pots get considerably warmer than garden soil, sometimes up to 10 degrees warmer. They also hold their heat longer into the evening.
Pests and Problems of Eggplants
Disease: Eggplants can be prone to Verticillium Wilt, a vascular disease that prevents the plants from taking up water. The plants wilt and eventually die. If verticillium wilt is a problem, choose resistant varieties and avoid planting eggplants in an area where tomatoes or peppers have recently been grown. Growing them in a container is a good option, with fresh potting soil.
Insects: Flea beetles are the biggest problem you will encounter with eggplant. They chew dozens of holes in the leaves but rarely touch the fruits. The damage is mostly cosmetic, but does weaken plants and they can spread disease. You can thwart them early in the season with a floating row cover, but it will need to be removed when the plant starts setting flowers, so they can be pollinated.. I’ve had a bit of luck repelling them by putting the peels from onions around the plants.
Suggested Eggplant Varieties
‘There are wonderfully delicious heirloom eggplants and some great modern hybrids that are disease resistant and/or quick ripening. Experiment with a few varieties to see which do well in your growing conditions.
Hansel - An AAS winner that has become extremely popular. The long thin fruits grow in clusters. You can start harvesting when the fruits are only about 4 inches long, to encourage even more fruits. (55 days)
Gretel - The counterpart to Hansel, Gretel is a long, white eggplant that is also non-bitter and delicious when harvested young. (55 days)
Japanese White Egg - Really does look like an egg. The flesh is very dense and sweet with extremely tiny seeds. (65 days)
Listadia di Grandia - A Spanish Heirloom. Gorgeous fat, 7 inch long fruits that are white with purple stripes. Very mild, sweet flavor. (90 days)
Louisiana Long Green - Heirloom. Eight inch long pale green fruits are sweet and tender. (100 days)
Orient Express - A great choice for northern climates. Reliable what ever the weather brings. Very tender. Dark purple fruits are long and slender, about 8 - 10 inche long and 1 - 2 inches in diameter. (58 days)
Rosa Bianca - Italian heirloom. Does better in warm climates. Fruits are rounded and about 4 - 6 inches long with a 5 inch diameter. Fruits are creamy white shaded with purple. (73 days)
