Slim Jim and Lavender Touch Eggplant
I always debate with myself over when to plant hot weather crops. We have a cool climate. Our average high temperature in June is 77°F(25°C). Our average low is 55°F(13°C). This is not particularly hot. It is fine for my tomatoes and my chili peppers, but eggplants aren't as forgiving of cool temperatures.
Last year I started my eggplants on June 1st. The ground was mulched in black plastic. I added a plastic hoop tunnel. I put water jugs in between the eggplants to collect heat. This year is more problematic. I'm growing carrots between my eggplants. The carrots should be out of the ground before the eggplants need that space, but carrots don't like heat. All the heat collection that I did last year would either kill my carrots or make them bitter. So this year the eggplants got nothing. No plastic of any kind. I love the look of the garden without all the plastic, but will they grow?
Yesterday I noticed two things with the eggplants. They are getting a bit root bound and they were being attacked by insects. I hand picked the flea beetles off before they went in the ground. Then I rubbed off all the aphids. These poor plants have been through so much and their leaves look a bit chewed. Previously they had a caterpillar when they were younger. Then I put them next to my tomatillos and they ended up with cucumber beetles. Sigh. They still seem to be holding their own.
Even though we might get some cooler weather this week, I felt they had to go in. Nothing stops a plant faster than getting root bound. I think most of the times that people recommend for growing transplants are way over estimated. They let the plants get too root bound. Yes with paper pots the roots do tend to get air pruned, but it still slows their growth down if they aren't planted in a timely manner.
They were placed about two feet apart from each other in the row and about 18" apart. They got supplemented with some bonemeal, coffee grounds and lime. I hope they survive all the travails they had in their youth and grow up strong. Hmm maybe I should surround them with some soda bottles to pamper them a bit. They could use a little pampering.
I think they look great, Daphne! And those roots look really healthy!
ReplyDeleteEggplant is my most problematic hot weather vegetable too. June is very cool around here also, maybe cooler than for you. I just planted mine out, and they didn't look as good as yours. Maybe I'll try the water jug trick.
ReplyDeleteYour eggplants look great compared to mine, mine are a sickly yellow colour. Probably due to the fact that I never potted them on like you side, will I ever learn!:-) I think I will plant mine out tomorrow and give them some elixir as well. I saw an ichiban eggplant on a blog, it is one spectacular looking eggplant and is supposed to be more cool tolerant. I am going to try one next year. I will try to find the link that I saw it on and send it along.
ReplyDeleteour friend Ben, thanks, I just hope they grow well. Last night was in the low 40s :<
ReplyDeleteMichelle, good luck. Next year I might not grow them. Too much hassle for not enough eggplant.
Dan, hmm maybe I should try that variety next year.