Do eggplants grow well in containers?

Many gardeners ask, "Do eggplants do well in containers?" The answer is absolutely! If you're careful, you can have lots of fruit growing even from your patio or balcony. Container gardening is a great solution for small-space gardening, as well as eliminating some of the many soil diseases common to gardens.

Utilize compact types, such as Fairy Tale or Hansel, for great success. These dwarf types are only 18-24 inches tall and are perfectly suited for 12-16-inch pots. I've grown these on my apartment balcony for five years and have had consistent harvests every summer.

In the heat of summer, your watering requirements can increase substantially. At temperatures above 70°F, daily watering is necessary. During hot weather, when the temperature exceeds 85°F, you may need to water twice a day. I use drip irrigation, which allows water to go directly to the roots, reducing the chances of disease on leaves, etc.

Use a balanced fertilizer such as a 5-10-10 NPK. Apply the other fertilizer at planting time, and repeat the application every 3 weeks during the fruiting period. Avoid fertilizers that contain high levels of nitrogen, as this promotes leaf growth over fruit production. I prefer to use fish emulsion that has consistency.

Container gardening helps you extend your growing season and, in warm zones, protect the plants during the winter months with mulch and frost cloth. In my state of Florida, we have three seasons of production with our plants. Start your container eggplant journey today for some fresh homegrown goodies.

Read the full article: How to Grow Eggplant in Containers