How to grow eggplants in a greenhouse? When to plant and how to care for them?

Eggplants – a heat-loving crop that requires the right approach to growing in a greenhouse. To get a high yield, it is important to consider the temperature regime, timely fertilizing, the right irrigation system and protection from diseases. In this article, we will consider all aspects of growing eggplants in greenhouse conditions: from variety selection to harvesting.

Selecting a variety for greenhouse cultivation

Selecting a variety is the first step to successfully growing eggplants. Greenhouse varieties and hybrids that are resistant to lack of light, sudden temperature changes and the most common diseases are suitable for greenhouses.

The most suitable varieties:

• Early ripening:
  • “Galina F1” – produces an early harvest, the fruits are resistant to diseases, suitable for regions with short summers.
  • “Epic F1” is a stress-resistant hybrid with high yields.
  • “Alekseevsky” is a classic variety with dense, elongated fruits.
• Mid-season:
  • “Bibo F1” – has white fruits with tender pulp, resistant to sudden temperature changes.
  • “Black Beauty” is a universal variety, suitable for both canning and storage.
• Late ripening:
  • “Almaz” is a high-yielding variety with long fruiting period.
  • “Mishutka” is a large-fruited eggplant with a rich taste and is resistant to drought.

Expert advice: In greenhouse conditions, it is best to grow hybrids, as they are more productive and resistant to diseases. It is also important to consider the height of the bush: low-growing varieties will not require garters, but tall varieties will require trellises.

Preparing the soil in the greenhouse

Eggplants are demanding of soil quality, so before planting it is important to create a fertile and structured layer that will provide the plants with everything they need.

Soil preparation stages:

1. Removal of old plants and disinfection. Pathogenic microorganisms may remain after previous crops. It is recommended to treat the soil with a solution of copper sulfate (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water) or biopreparations (Fitosporin, Gliokladin).
2. Adding organic matter. Humus or compost in the amount of 5-6 kg per 1 m² will improve the soil structure and increase the humus content.
3. Mineral fertilizer. It is important to balance the nutrition: superphosphate (30 g per 1 m²), potassium nitrate (20 g per 1 m²), ammonium nitrate (15 g per 1 m²).
4. Soil aeration. Adding sand, vermiculite or agroperlite will prevent soil compaction and improve air circulation.
5. Maintaining soil pH. Optimum acidity is 6.5-7. If the soil is acidic, add 200 g of wood ash or 300 g of lime per 1 m².

Expert advice: 2 weeks before planting, it is recommended to sow the greenhouse with green manure (mustard, phacelia), then dig them into the soil to improve its structure.

When to plant eggplants in a greenhouse?

Choosing the right time to plant eggplants directly affects their growth and productivity.

• In heated greenhouses, planting can be done as early as the end of March – beginning of April, when the soil temperature reaches +18°C.
• In unheated greenhouses, planting takes place in mid-May, when the night temperature stabilizes above +15°C.

How to prepare seedlings:

• Seedling age: 50-70 days.
• Plant height: 15-20 cm.
• Number of true leaves: 5-7 pieces.
• Hardening: 7-10 days before transplanting, the seedlings are placed in a cool room with a temperature of +14…+16°C for several hours a day, reducing watering.
• Strengthening the root system: Before planting, water the seedlings with a growth stimulant solution (Epin, Kornevin), this will speed up rooting and adaptation.

Expert advice: Three days before planting, it is useful to treat the plants with “Zircon” or “Potassium Humate” to reduce stress during transplantation.

Eggplant planting scheme

Correct placement of plants in a greenhouse will ensure their uniform development and high yield.

• Distance between plants: 50×60 cm.
• Planting depth: 5-7 cm, the root collar should remain above the soil surface.
• Beds: should be raised (10-15 cm) to avoid water stagnation.
• Optimal planting density: 3-4 plants per 1 m².
• Garter: Tall varieties require garter to trellises or supports.

Expert advice: Eggplants do not tolerate dense plantings well, so following the planting pattern is critical to their productivity.

Watering and microclimate in the greenhouse

• Air temperature:
  • During the day: +24…+28°C.
  • At night: not below +15°C.
• Watering:
  • The water should be warm (+22…+25°C).
  • Optimal regime: 2-3 times a week, under the root, without getting on the leaves.
• Humidity:
  • Optimum air humidity is 60-70%.
  • At high humidity (>75%) fungal diseases are possible.

Expert advice: To prevent condensation on the walls of the greenhouse, regularly ventilate through vents or automated ventilation systems.

Growing eggplants in a greenhouse

Growing eggplants in a greenhouse – is a complex but interesting process, which, if all agricultural standards are observed, allows you to get a high yield. The main thing is to provide the plants with the right conditions, starting with soil preparation and ending with microclimate control.

If you want to create ideal conditions for growing eggplants, pay attention to greenhouses from NovaTeplitsa. They are adapted for growing vegetable crops and will help you achieve maximum productivity. Choose the right model on our website and create your ideal greenhouse today!