Your comments and tips

17 Feb 23, Carol (USA - Zone 9b climate)

My last eggplants from last fall were tough and flavorless but right now I have at least 9! How do I know when they are ripe to pick?

Reply or Post a new comment

20 Feb 23, (USA - Zone 9b climate)

When they reach a good size, pick them. The longer you leave them the tougher and less flavor. Planting to harvest time is a good guide.

Reply or Post a new comment

15 Jan 23, christina (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

hi... i have several plants in different vegie beds.... but they have all been attacked my a little tiny black beetle... all the leaves on every plant have been decimated and eaten how can i stop them please and any advice .....

Reply or Post a new comment

03 Jul 23, Tim (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

The little beetles are flea beetles. Soil born and emerge as the weather warms up and very difficult to control especially organically. I use pyganic and this season I will try Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (vectobac) in the soil to try control the larvae when they hatch. It is expensive and a bulk buy however there is an online hydro shop selling in smaller batches. There is also the powdered form. Neem oil should work however I am hopeless at remembering to spray every 10 days. They are usually around in the warmer months and love the Solanaceae family. I also bag my flowers as they can wreck them overnight.

Reply or Post a new comment

13 Jan 23, Lori (USA - Zone 9a climate)

What varieties of eggplant grows best in 9a?

Reply or Post a new comment

30 Jun 23, Ava (USA - Zone 9b climate)

I live in Texas City and this is my second time growing egg plant. Last year it was unsuccessful due to the heat and planting too late in the season. This year I’m doing really good because I planted my seeds early in the Spring. This is also my first time cooking eggplant. My husband and I are loving them.

Reply or Post a new comment

06 Feb 23, Gene (USA - Zone 9b climate)

Eggplant can be grown here in Florida 9b pretty much all year....at least that is what we do. We keep the same plants growing and producing all year. I would avoid the long Japanese varieties though. We have had better luck with the globe-shaped ones. I put the small plants out under some kind of protection, like a milk carton or such, until they get established. When we get the occasional cold and windy weather, mostly in Jan., I cover the plants with a light blanket, and take it off right away when the weather moderates. Otherwise, they just do fine. Bug-wise, I use insecticidal soap spray, or, Bt. The bugs damage some leaves but not the fruits, usually. Good luck.

Reply or Post a new comment

01 Jan 23, Goldy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hello, first time gardener here! ;-) Bought eggplant seedlings from Bunnings and planted all of them (6) in a round pot, approx 10cm apart. I know it requires 45-50cm apart. Will they grow and produce fruit as is or do I have to set them apart further? i.e. re plant in a different pot?

Reply or Post a new comment

05 Jan 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

First time gardener learn a golden rule - when they suggest 45-50cm between plants there is a very good reason. They need that amount of soil area to be able to source enough nutriets to produce a decent crop.

Reply or Post a new comment

04 Jan 23, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)

Eggplant leaves/plants can spread a bit, so separate pots or beds would be best

Reply or Post a new comment