Struggling to grow aubergines? Here’s what finally worked for me
How I Finally Got My Aubergines to Thrive
For years, I struggled with aubergines. My leafy greens were lush, my tomatoes practically jumped off the vine, but my poor little aubergines? Pathetic. Scrawny. A complete embarrassment. If you’ve been battling with these gorgeous purple wonders, don’t worry—I’ve cracked the code, and I’m here to save you the frustration.
Pick the Right Variety
Not all aubergines are created equal, and trust me, I learned that the hard way. Some varieties struggle in warmer regions, while others need just the right amount of care. After countless failed attempts, I found that ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Lebanese Long’ performed best. If you're unsure what to pick, start with these—they’re forgiving and reward you with gorgeous, glossy fruit.
The Sun Is Your Best Friend
I used to plant my aubergines alongside crops with similar care needs, but they always fell short. Turns out, they’re fussy little creatures who demand at least eight hours of sun every single day. No shade, no compromises. If you have a sunny north-facing spot, that’s where they belong.
The Magic of Warm Soil
These plants adore warmth. If you plant them too early, they sulk. If the soil isn’t warm enough, they refuse to grow. I started pre-warming my soil before planting by covering the bed with black plastic for a couple of weeks. Game-changer! The roots established faster, and the plants took off before pests could get their grubby little hands on them.
Aubergines Hate Wet Feet
Early on, I lost plant after plant to rot. Why? Overwatering. These beauties need regular moisture but absolutely despise drowning. I switched to deep but infrequent watering and used mulch to retain moisture. Straw or sugar cane mulch does the trick beautifully.
Give Them a Little Boost
People often think aubergines are set-and-forget plants. They’re not. They need feeding! I started using a mix of compost, aged manure, and liquid seaweed fertiliser. A fortnightly tea of banana skins and comfrey leaves boosted potassium levels, making the fruit bigger and better.
Pesky Pests? Here’s What Works
My biggest headache? Aphids and flea beetles. They feasted on my poor plants like it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. The fix? Companion planting! Marigolds and basil worked wonders at keeping pests away. If things got bad, a quick spray of neem oil turned the tide.
Harvest on Time
Here’s something I didn’t know at first—leaving aubergines on the plant too long makes them bitter. Pick them when they’re glossy and firm, before they start getting dull or soft. If you’re unsure, a gentle press with your thumb should leave a slight indent that bounces back.
These are the lessons that finally turned my aubergine disasters into a delicious success. Try them out, and you’ll be dishing up homegrown aubergines in no time. Happy growing!
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