How To Grow Aubergines Organically

Aubergines, or eggplants as they're known in the States, are delightful additions to any garden boasting warm summers. When you choose to grow them organically, you're not just ensuring a harvest free of synthetic chemicals; you're actively participating in nurturing a more sustainable environment. This guide will walk you through each step with care, from seed selection to savouring your harvest.

Do a bit of research to find varieties that thrive in organic settings and are well-suited to your local climate. Some varieties may be more resistant to pests and diseases, making them ideal for organic cultivation. For example, we recommend the following varieties: 

Black Beauty is a classic heirloom variety known for its large, glossy black fruits and prolific yields. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases. 

Clara F1 is a white aubergine variety that is well-suited for organic cultivation. It is a fast-growing, early variety that produces attractive, glossy white fruits. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases. 

Pinstripe F1 is another excellent variety of aubergine for organic cultivation. It is a compact, well-branched variety that produces many small, purple and white striped fruits. It is ideal for containers and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. 

Start your seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. In the UK this is usually between January and April. This head start is crucial for ensuring that your plants have enough time to mature and produce fruit. The goal is to move your seedlings outdoors when the soil consistently stays above 16°C (60°F), a comfortable temperature for these heat-loving plants. In the UK, sowing outside is possible between April and June.

• 100% natural
• Improves seed germination and seedling growth
• Promotes root development
• Increases resistance to pests and diseases
• Improves tolerance to drought and other stresses
• Enhances fruit quality and yield

Seaweed meal is a safe and effective organic fertiliser for aubergine seedlings. It is also a sustainable choice, as it is made from a renewable resource.

Here's how to use our seaweed meal as a fertiliser for aubergine seedlings:

1. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of seaweed meal into the potting mix before planting.
2. Apply seaweed meal as a top dressing to established seedlings every 2-3 weeks.
3. Water the plants well after applying seaweed meal.

With proper fertilisation, your aubergine seedlings will be healthy and vigorous, and they will produce a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits.

Now, let's get these plants ready for the great outdoors! Gradually expose them to outdoor temperatures and sunlight over 1-2 weeks. This process, known as hardening off, is essential to reduce transplant shock.

1. Wait until the true leaves develop and the plant is at least five inches tall before starting the hardening off process
2. Begin the hardening off process 1-2 weeks before transplanting the plants outdoors
3. Start by placing the plants outdoors for a couple of hours each day, preferably in a shady area
4. Gradually increase the amount of time the plants spend outdoors each day, and expose them to more sunlight
5. Cover the plants with cloches or fleece for a further two weeks until they are acclimatised

By following these steps, the aubergine plants will be better prepared for the harsh outdoor conditions of fluctuating spring temperatures, wind, and full sun exposure. This will cause the plant to accumulate carbohydrates, trigger more root development, reduce the amount of freeze-prone water in the plant, and actually thicken its cell walls.

Soil Preparation

Before planting your aubergines, it's vital to prepare the soil. Incorporate generous amounts of organic matter into your garden bed. This could include homemade compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mould, and composted green waste. These materials not only feed your aubergines but also improve soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity. Add a mix of organic fertilisers such as fish, blood, and bone meal to the soil. These provide a slow-release source of essential nutrients. The bone meal is particularly beneficial for root development, while the fish meal offers nitrogen for leafy growth.

Aubergines love well-draining, fertile soil. Work in plenty of that organic compost and aged manure to enrich your garden bed. The ideal pH should be between 6.5 to 7.5; adjust if necessary using organic soil amendments. Seaweed meal is a good choice for fertilising aubergines as it can deliver the perfect pH of 6.5-7.5 for aubergines. It is also a natural and organic fertiliser that provides great aeration and drainage to the root zone. 

Oh! Did we mention seaweed meal? :P

Planting Site

Choose a sunny location for your aubergines – they adore sunlight and need a good 6-8 hours of direct exposure daily. They should be rotated every couple of years and given plenty of space as they don’t like humidity. It's for this reason, we plant them with the tomatoes near the open greenhouse door, leaving the moisture-loving cucumbers to thrive in the humid back corners.

Planting Out

When planting, space your aubergines about 70-90cm (27-35 inches) apart in rows that are at least 90cm (35 inches) apart. Plant them deep, up to their first true leaves, to encourage strong root systems.

Watering

Aubergines need about 5cm (2 inches) of water weekly. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to ensure you're watering efficiently and keeping the foliage dry to prevent disease. Water your plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Drip irrigation is ideal in this regard.

Mulching

A thick layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, does wonders. It conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and as it breaks down, it feeds the soil. Use organic mulch to reduce soil splash, which can spread soil-borne diseases to the plants.

6 Reasons Why You Should Mulch Your Aubergine Plants

1. Conserves moisture: Mulch helps to reduce evaporation from the soil, which is especially important during hot, dry weather. This can help to keep aubergine plants hydrated and prevent stress.
   
   
2. Suppresses weeds: Mulch acts as a physical barrier, preventing weeds from germinating and growing. This can save gardeners time and effort on weeding, and it can also help to improve the overall health of aubergine plants by reducing competition for resources.
   
   
3. Feeds the soil: As organic mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil. This can help to improve soil fertility and structure, and it can also provide aubergine plants with the nutrients they need to grow and produce fruit.
   
   
4. Moderates soil temperature: Mulch can help to insulate the soil, protecting aubergine roots from extreme heat and cold. This can be especially beneficial in climates with hot summers and cold winters.
   
   
5. Protects the fruit: Mulch can help to protect aubergine fruit from dirt and pests. This can improve the quality and yield of the harvest.
   
   
6. Improves the appearance of the garden: Mulch can give the garden a neat and tidy appearance. It can also help to suppress weeds, which can make the garden look more attractive.

Nutrient Management

Nutrient management is a critical component of successfully growing organic aubergines. These plants are known for their hearty appetites and require a well-planned feeding regimen to flourish and produce bountiful fruit. Here's how to enrich their growing environment organically:

Ongoing Feeding During the Growing Season

As the aubergine plants start to flower and set fruit, they will benefit from additional nutrients. Gently work compost around the base of each plant, being careful not to disturb the roots. This top dressing acts like a slow-release fertiliser, providing ongoing nutrition. Apply a balanced organic fertiliser, one that provides an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), for example, a 5-5-5 or 10-10-10. This balanced feeding supports overall plant health, aiding in leaf development, root strength, and fruit production.Consider using organic liquid feeds, such as comfrey or nettle tea, during the peak growing season. These can be applied every two weeks and are particularly effective in delivering nutrients quickly to the roots.

Utilising Green Manures

In the off-season, plant green manures such as clover, vetch, or field beans. These plants fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, enriching it for the next growing season. Green manures also play a crucial role in improving soil structure. They prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and increase organic matter when dug back into the soil. The introduction of green manures contributes to a diverse soil ecosystem. This biodiversity is not only good for your aubergines but also beneficial for the overall health of your garden.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Periodic soil testing can be invaluable in organic gardening. It helps you understand the nutrient levels and pH of your soil, enabling you to adjust your nutrient management plan accordingly. Pay attention to your plants. Signs such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth can indicate nutrient deficiencies. Adjust your feeding regimen based on these visual cues. 

By adopting organic nutrient management practices, your aubergine plants will have access to all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and a fruitful harvest. Organic approaches not only feed the plants but also nurture the soil, promoting a sustainable garden ecosystem.

Pest and Disease Control

Effective pest and disease management in organic aubergine cultivation is crucial for a healthy and productive garden. This involves not just reactive measures but also preventive strategies. By adopting comprehensive organic pest and disease control strategies, you can significantly reduce the impact of these challenges on your aubergine crop. Remember, the goal of organic gardening is to create a balanced and healthy ecosystem where problems are managed sustainably and with minimal harm to the environment.

Natural and Organic Pest Control Methods

- Use physical barriers such as row covers or insect netting to protect your aubergines from pests.

- Prepare homemade organic sprays with ingredients like garlic, neem oil, or soapy water to combat pest infestations. These are less harmful than chemical pesticides and can be effective when used correctly.

- Regularly inspect your plants and manually remove pests like caterpillars or slugs.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

Cultivate a variety of flowering plants around your aubergine plot. Flowers like marigolds, lavender, and calendula are not only visually appealing but also attract beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings, and bees. These insects are natural predators to common pests like aphids and help in pollination.

As mentioned earlier, we always encourage customers who buy our organic aubergine seeds to implement companion planting strategies by growing plants that naturally repel pests or enhance the growth of aubergines. For example, planting nasturtiums can lure aphids away from your precious crops.