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keep the soil moist. Germination takes 7-10 days but if the temperatures are cooler it may take longer.

If you are planting your seeds directly outside I suggest a light watering and then place a plastic mini-greenhouse' over the spot. I make my greenhouses out of empty milk and juice jugs.

To make a mini-greenhouse' remove the cap from the jug and throw it away, with a sharp knife cut the bottom off the jug. When you place it over your young plant or seed stand it up with the small opening at the top this gives a place for heat to escape so you don't cook your plants but the greenhouse helps keep the soil moisture in, pests and critters out, and reminds you where you planted your seeds.

You can now place your black plastic around the area outside the jug if you'd like to keep the soil warm and weeds down.

If you want to try starting your own seeds indoors it's best to plant your seeds in organic pots which can later be planted directly in the ground but I have started them in small plastic pots and transplanted with no problem.

Remember you will need to put your seed pots in a warm location, provide plenty of light, and keep the soil moist but not wet. Before placing your plants outside you will want to adjust them to outdoor living. The best way to do this is to place your plants outside during the day and bring them in at night. Starting with putting them in a shaded protected spot will insure they don't get sunburned the first day out.

Once the danger of frost has passed you can transplant your seedlings to the garden following the directions above. I like to leave the greenhouses' on my plants until they are 3-6 inches tall.

Keeping them Growing

Eggplants are fairly drought resistant and don't like to be wet all the time. Using mulch or plastic around the plants will help keep the soil moist and less frequent watering. Even in the hottest points of the summer with no water for weeks I only water every 3-4 days.

Your average eggplant will grow to about 3 feet tall but I have had plants that never made it past 2 feet and others as much as 4, they all produced fine. Some fresh fertilizer, compost, or mulch once they start to bloom helps to produce more blooms.

According to the experts eggplants are prone to a number of pests such as potato beetles and aphids but I have never had any problems at all.

Reaping the Benefits

Although the original eggplants were a creamy white color, where they got their name, most varieties today are a deep purple. You will know they are mature when the skin is a glossy dark color. If the skin turns dull you waited too long and the eggplant will have a bitter taste.

You can also test the maturity by poking the skin with your finger gently press on it and if you leave an imprint of your finger you know it's ready. DON'T pull it off the plant use a sharp knife or cutters and cut the stem. This helps to encourage more growth.

Simply pick your favorite eggplant recipe or get suggestions from friends and enjoy this fresh vegetable you have grown yourself.

Learn more about this author, Faith Draper.
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