Start off aubergines
PICKING a fat glossy aubergine is a moment of intense gardening pride. These warmth-loving plants take a bit of time to get right, but that extra care is more than worthwhile when you’re picking or eating them – or just showing off to friends! Like chillies and peppers, aubergines need heat to grow and take a while to fruit – think of them as having an extended childhood. You need access to a propagator and heated greenhouse, or the use of an airing cupboard and warm, sunny windowsill. Aubergines can be moved outside after all risk of frost, and their foliage makes them handsome pot plants, but they must have a sheltered sunny spot. Choose a reliable cultivar such as ‘Moneymaker’. Sow in February if they’re destined for a greenhouse but wait until early March if you intend growing them outside come summer. Sow on the surface of damp seed-sowing compost, barely covering the seed. Pop them into a propagator or warm airing cupboard. You’re aiming for a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F). Less than this and germination will be slow. Bring into the light as soon as they start to germinate, maintaining a warmth of 15-20C (59-68F). Remember that temperatures fall beside windows at night, even in the greenhouse, so check with a max/min thermometer.
Potting on
Prick out seedlings once they have their first true leaves and gradually pot on each time roots fill their pot, up to a final pot size of 25-30cm (10-12in). Or, plant out into growing bags or a greenhouse border in early May. Damping down the greenhouse and misting plants provides the humid atmosphere they prefer and helps deter red spider mite. Begin weekly feeding once the first fruit has set, using a high-potash fertiliser. Stake plants to prevent fruit breaking branches, and pick while still glossy and firm. If you don’t have the warmth to sow early, buy young plants at the garden centre or online in April. Aubergines, like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, are often sold as grafted plants. Although pricier, these grow more vigorously, with earlier crops and higher yields.