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Why Your Eggplants Are Not Growing Healthy (5 Mistakes To Avoid)

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Are your eggplants not growing the way you hoped? If you've been waiting for your eggplants to thrive, only to find them struggling to grow, you're not alone.

Many gardeners face the same struggle, and it can be really disappointing to see your eggplants not grow healthily as you’ve been expecting. 

Whether you’re new to gardening or have been at it for a while, it’s important to know what could be going wrong. 

If you’re just starting out, you might want to check out some basics on how to grow eggplant for beginners to set a solid foundation.

In this article, I will cover the 5 devastating mistakes you must avoid so you can help your eggplants grow strong and healthy. 

If you're new to gardening, check out our guide linked above on how to grow eggplant for beginners for helpful tips.

1. Choosing The Wrong Variety

Choosing the wrong variety can really hold you back. 

There are many different types of eggplants, and not all of them grow well in every climate. Some varieties thrive in warm weather, while others prefer cooler temperatures.

So, it is important to know which types do best in your area. For example, if you live somewhere that gets really hot, varieties like ‘Italian, Chinese, and Graffiti Eggplant’’ will do well because they can handle the heat and produce plenty of fruit. 

On the other hand, if your climate is cooler, you might want to try varieties like ‘Japanese Eggplant’ or ‘White Eggplant,’ which are better suited for lower temperatures.

Take note that if you pick a variety that doesn’t match your local climate, it might struggle to grow. This can lead to weak plants, fewer fruits, or even the plants dying. Plus, some varieties might be more likely to get pests or diseases in your area. 

With that being said, choosing the right variety not only increases your chances of success but also helps your plants resist pests and diseases common to your area. 

Doing a bit of research or asking your local nursery can help you find the best option for your garden. Picking the right type will make it much easier for your eggplants to grow strong and healthy.

So, before you decide to grow an eggplant, ask yourself—“Am I picking the right type of eggplant for my garden?

2. Neglecting To Trim

An image of a plant focusing on suckers.
Taken From Our Raised Beds Facebook Group

While the image above shows a cucumber plant, it illustrates what suckers look like. The sucker is found between the main stem and the lateral branch.

Have you ever wondered why some gardeners have thriving eggplants while yours seem to struggle?

One big reason might be that you’re not pruning.

Skipping trimming your eggplants can be a big mistake. When you don’t prune, your plants can become overcrowded. This makes it hard for air to flow around them, leading to problems like pests and diseases.

If you notice small shoots growing from the stems of your eggplants, these are called suckers, and they can cause issues. Suckers grow where the leaves meet the stem.

If you think these stems are harmless, you might be limiting your eggplants from producing more and healthier fruit because they steal energy from the main plant.

When you leave suckers on, they compete for water and nutrients, which can weaken your plants and reduce fruit production.

To keep your eggplants healthy, it’s best to remove these suckers when they’re still small. By doing this, you help the plants grow more tasty and nutritious fruit.

Pruning also helps sunlight reach all parts of the plant. So, when your eggplant crops get enough light, they grow stronger and can produce more flowers, leading to a better harvest overall.

Don’t use your bare hands for pruning, as that might stress the stems. Instead, use clean, sharp scissors or pruners for precise cuts, which reduces the chance of damaging other parts of the plant.

Just remember not to trim too much at once. It’s usually better to take off a little than to remove too much.

Over-trimming can stress the plants and hinder their growth. Light trims are ideal for keeping them healthy without causing damage.

If you’re unsure how to prune, there are plenty of helpful guides and videos online.

By regularly checking your eggplant crops and giving them a little trim when needed, you can make a big difference in their health. So, don’t skip this important step and your eggplants will thank you.

3. Improper Watering Practices

Are you watering your eggplants the right way? Many gardeners struggle with this, and improper watering can really hurt your plants. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause problems.

If you give your eggplants too much water, the roots can drown. This can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot, which is a serious problem. 

Signs of overwatering include soggy soil, wilting leaves, and a musty smell near the roots. If you notice this on your eggplants, you might be overwatering them.

To avoid this, check the soil by sticking your finger in it about an inch deep. If it feels wet, hold off on watering.

On the other side, underwatering can be just as damaging. If your eggplants don’t get enough water, they may droop, and their leaves might turn brown and crispy. You might also notice fewer fruits or smaller eggplants because the plants can’t absorb the nutrients they need.

Same tip. To avoid underwatering, keep an eye on the soil and water when it feels dry an inch down.

You see, the answer to this is to find a balance in watering.

Eggplants usually need about 2 inches of water per week, but of course, this depends on your climate in your area. For more tips on how to manage your watering routine effectively, check out some advice on how to water your transplants.

If you’re unsure how much water your plants need, keeping an eye on them and adjusting as necessary can make a big difference.

Using mulch can also help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.

If you're interested in improving your garden’s health even further, consider creating your own compost. The Berkeley method of composting is a great way to produce nutrient-rich compost quickly.

So, pay attention to your watering routine. Getting it right will help your eggplants grow strong and healthy.

4. Inadequate Sunlight and Spacing

One major reason why your eggplant is not thriving could be that they’re not getting enough sunlight or the right amount of space. This is just as important as watering. 

Eggplants are best in bright, sunny spots and need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Without this, they can struggle to grow strong and healthy.

So, when planting your eggplants, make sure to choose a spot that gets adequate sunlight. Since the fruit also relies on sunlight to develop properly, make sure that it is getting just enough light, otherwise, the fruit may not ripen well and could taste bitter.

Several studies have shown that not enough sunlight can lead to smaller, underdeveloped fruit because there isn’t enough photosynthesis to produce sugar.

If your garden is shaded by trees or buildings, consider moving your plants to a sunnier area.

Remember, the more sunlight your eggplants get, the better they’ll grow but again, it depends on what variety you are growing and the climate in your area.

Now, let’s talk about spacing. It’s not just about sunlight; how you actually space your plants also matters. If you plant your eggplants too close together, they can crowd each other out.

This makes it tough for air to circulate around them and can lead to problems like pests and diseases. 

It’s best to give each plant enough room to breathe. Aim for about 18 to 24 inches between each eggplant.

If you're using raised beds, consider checking out our guide on raised bed sizes for optimal spacing.

This way, they can spread out, soak up the sun, and get the nutrients they need from the soil.

When your eggplants have enough space and sunlight, they’ll grow healthier and produce more fruit. So, take a moment to check your planting spots and spacing.

A little planning can go a long way in helping your eggplants thrive.

5.  Not Knowing When To Harvest

Now that we've covered the importance of choosing the right variety, pruning, watering, sunlight, and spacing, let’s move on to the last common mistake of growing healthy eggplants—not knowing when to harvest.

Figuring out when to harvest your eggplants is just as important as all the other care tips. Timing can make a big difference in taste and quality.

If you wait too long to pick your eggplants, they can become bitter and lose that delicious flavor you’re hoping for.

So, how do you know when your eggplants are ready?

Gardening experts suggest checking for glossy, deep-colored skin and a firm texture that springs back when gently pressed. If the skin looks dull, the eggplant may be overripe.

To check for ripeness, gently squeeze the fruit. If it feels firm and bounces back, it’s ready to go. You can also cut it open; if the flesh is soft and creamy with small seeds, it’s good to harvest.

But, if the inside is filled with seeds and it looks crunchy, then that’s a sign you’ve waited too long to pick.

Another indicator is the color. Depending on the variety, eggplants should have a vibrant hue—deep purple, white, or even green. If the color looks off or faded, it might be time to pick.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the fruit off the stem. This helps avoid damaging the plant and encourages further growth.

By knowing when to harvest, you’ll enjoy the best flavors and textures from your homegrown eggplants.

Time To Take Action

Now that you know all the 5 mistakes to avoid in growing an eggplant, you have the power to turn things around.

By avoiding these common pitfalls and applying the easy tips we've covered, you can create the ideal environment for your eggplants to thrive.

So, roll up your sleeves, make those changes, and get ready to witness your garden flourish.

Your hard work will pay off, and soon you'll be enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious, vibrant eggplants. 

You’ve got this. Happy gardening!

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