How to Grow Brinjal Organically? Given warm weather, the lovely warm-season annual eggplant (Solanum melongena) is relatively simple to grow. The planting season has to be consistently warm, with daily highs of about 80°F and lows no lower than 65°F at night. After putting your plants outside, the development will be delayed to nonexistent if the temperature is colder.
How to Grow Brinjal Organically?
The Solanaceae family includes eggplants, which are related to potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, ground cherries, and peppers. For those who grow their own vegetables, there are several heirloom kinds that come in unique shapes and hues. Although eggplant has a remarkable variety of vitamins and minerals, there are many more health advantages to eating it. It is a great, meaty addition to a number of baked meals because it is a rich source of fibre and only contains 20 calories per cup.
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Eggplant:
- Just after all threat of frost has passed, plant in warm climates.
- Begin indoor seedlings or purchase seedlings to transfer outside.
- Select a spot with full sun and prepare the soil by adding lots of compost and organic debris.
- Regularly water and fertilise
- 60-100 days until harvest
- Pests and illnesses include hornworms, flea beetles, potato beetles, aphids, and verticillium and fusarium wilts.
The only distinction is that eggplant prefers warmer temperatures; otherwise, all kinds should be handled similarly to tomatoes. Planting should take place after the earth has warmed up. Start seeds 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost or buy seedlings locally.
If the springtime is lengthy and cool in your area, use black plastic mulch to heat the soil. Raised beds or double rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart should have plants spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. During the growing season, use a balanced organic fertiliser every two weeks.
Advice: Before planting your young seedlings in the garden, give them plenty of time to harden off. This is the perfect use for a cold frame.
Remove the majority of the side branches and choose two or three fruits to grow on one plant in order to harvest large fruits. You should let the plants grow naturally if you want smaller fruits. Harvest fruit when it’s young and shiny for the finest flavour. Remove fruits from plants that still have an inch of stalk attached. After transplanting, give 60 to 100 days for maturity to set in.
Problems with Insects & Diseases:
Due to high temperatures, eggplant is prone to losing its flowers and producing fruit that is deformed. Watch out for flea bugs, potato beetles, aphids, and hornworms among other common pests. Additionally, they are vulnerable to plant ailments including Verticillium and Fusarium wilts.
Tip: Fill containers with organic potting soils to get rid of a variety of pollutants that might end up in non-organic, commercial mixes, including heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and more.
Instructions for Saving Seeds:
Let the fruits ripen well after they are edible if you want to save seed. Plants that are mature or ready to consume will not produce viable seeds. Use a food processor or hand grater to shred or mix the bottom of the fruit, which has the most seeds. Very little harm is likely because the tiny seeds are stable and slick. Fill a dish with water and add all of the grates to it. Strenuously press down on the gratings. The healthy seeds will segregate and sink to the bottom. Before storing, let the seed dry.
