How to grow Eggplants in a Greenhouse? Growing Tips & Caring

Growing eggplants in a greenhouse offers benefits like extended growing seasons and protection from pests.

Follow care tips: select suitable varieties, ensure proper light and temperature, and manage pests. Harvest when young for the best flavor. Enjoy the satisfaction of home-grown eggplants despite climate limitations.

Introduction:

Before knowing how to grow Eggplants in a Greenhouse, we should know about eggplants. Eggplants are like tomatoes, often grown in greenhouses because they need warmth and a long growing season.

If you do not live in a warm area, growing them outside can be tough. But with a greenhouse, you can grow eggplants no matter your climate.

Greenhouses provide a cozy, warm space for eggplants to thrive. With a bit of TLC and patience, you will soon be harvesting your delicious purple eggplants.

Of course, growing your eggplants is a rewarding experience! Ready to dive into the greenhouse challenge?

Let’s get started. This guide will show you how to grow eggplants from seed to tasty fruit. Keep reading to learn more.

Advantages of Growing Eggplants in a Greenhouse

Eggplants are packed with health benefits like potassium, antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and calcium. They are versatile in the kitchen too, great for grilling, stew, or eggplant parmesan.

Growing your own brings satisfaction from start to finish. For those in climates without a long growing season, greenhouse growing is the answer.

You may also read: Apple Trees in a Greenhouse

Why use a greenhouse to grow eggplants?

Eggplants need a long growing season, about 3-4 months, like tomatoes and peppers. If your season is short, growing them outside might be tricky.

But fear not! A greenhouse can help. Start seedlings indoors about 2 months early and then transplant them outside once the frost is gone. Or, keep them in the greenhouse for extra protection.

Greenhouses extend the growing season and shield plants from pests and bad weather, giving eggplants a boost in growth and protection.

Tips for Growing Eggplants in a Greenhouse

Growing eggplants in a greenhouse is a great choice. They thrive in this protected space. But, there are important things to consider.

Choose the right variety and know when to transplant seedlings. Success with eggplants needs planning and attention to detail.

How to select the best eggplant variety

First, decide what type of eggplant you want to grow. There are lots of varieties with different flavors, colors, and shapes. You can even try a few kinds if you’re not sure what will thrive in your greenhouse.

Here are a couple of our top eggplant types for greenhouses to help in the growing process:

Globe Eggplant: Common in the US, these are versatile and tasty.
Chinese Eggplant: Easy to cut and enjoy, sometimes called Japanese eggplants.
Fairy Tale Eggplant: Pretty and delicate, cooks quickly due to their small size.
Thai Eggplant: Small, round, and green with a slightly bitter taste; remove seeds before cooking.
Italian Eggplant: Similar to Globe eggplants but more tender and smaller.

Remember, this list is not exhaustive. There are lots of eggplant varieties for your greenhouse! For more options, check out seed catalogs or your local garden center.

How to take care of greenhouse-grown eggplants

Ready to grow your eggplants? Whether from seeds or nursery starts, keeping them healthy is key for big, tasty purple fruits. Let’s dive in.

Requirements of Light

Eggplants, like tomatoes, need full sun for 6-8 hours daily. Plant them where they’ll get plenty of sunlight. If your greenhouse lacks sunlight, use grow lights to supplement.

Temperature

Eggplants thrive in warm climates, ideally between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

At night, keep the greenhouse above 65 degrees for proper fruit development. Warmth is crucial when starting seeds; use a heat mat to keep soil warm in seedling flats.

Pollination

While greenhouses keep pests out, they also block pollinators like bees.

But do not worry! Eggplants are self-pollinating, meaning they can pollinate themselves using their flowers.

You can still help by opening the greenhouse during flowering or using a fan to stimulate pollination.

Common Diseases and Pests that Affect Eggplants

In a greenhouse, eggplants face fewer pest issues but watch out for blight and bugs. Blight is a fungus that can be controlled by removing infected plants and ensuring good ventilation.

Bugs like flea beetles, Colorado potato beetles, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies can also be a problem. Keep your greenhouse tidy and consider planting native plants to deter pests.

When to decide to harvest eggplants

Want to harvest your eggplants? They’re tastiest when young. Press gently; if skin yields and the color is even, it’s time to pick. Cut near the stem to avoid damage. Enjoy your home-grown eggplant.

FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)

1). Can you grow eggplants effectively in a greenhouse?

Growing eggplants, also called aubergines, in a greenhouse is a great choice. They thrive in the protected environment, making them perform their best.

2). How can eggplant be successfully grown?

When planting eggplants, space them 24 to 36 inches apart. Before planting, mix 2 inches of compost into the soil to help retain moisture and nutrients. Plant them at the same depth as their containers and water thoroughly. Finally, spread mulch around the plants.

3). Are eggplants sun-loving plants?

When it is warm enough, transplant your eggplants into your garden. Pick a sunny spot because they like full sun, at least 6 hours a day.

Conclusion

Well, growing eggplants in a greenhouse offer numerous benefits, allowing for successful cultivation regardless of climate limitations.

With proper care, including selecting the right variety, providing adequate light and temperature, and managing pests, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting home-grown, delicious eggplants throughout the season.