Eggplant planting technology and management points

Eggplant is an annual herb. With its strong adaptability, abundant yield and long supply cycle, it has become one of the main vegetables on people's tables in summer and autumn. It prefers a warm and heat-resistant environment. The optimal temperature range for its growth is 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the growth of eggplant will stagnate. Let’s learn about eggplant planting techniques and management points together.

1. Soil preparation and land preparation

Choose clay loam with strong water and fertilizer retention capabilities for planting, and avoid continuous cropping with Solanaceae crops such as peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. It is recommended to rotate with non-Solanaceae vegetables for more than 3 years. When preparing the land, use deep trenches and high ridges to ensure that the ridge surface is flat to prevent water accumulation and root rot. The width of the ridge is generally between 0.8 and 1 meter (including the ditch), the height is 30 centimeters, and the direction of the ridge should be north-south.

2. Seeding and planting

Use hotbeds to grow seedlings from November to December. First, soak the seeds in 5% potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes for disinfection, then wash and soak them in warm water at about 30°C for 6 to 8 hours, wash off the mucus on the seed coat, drain and cover with a wet cloth, and germinate in an environment of 25 to 30°C. When about 60% of the seeds have cracks, they can be sown. The planting time is generally during the Qingming Festival. The row spacing for early-maturing varieties is 50 cm × 40 cm, and that for medium-early-maturing varieties is 70 cm × 40 cm. About 3,500 plants are planted per 667 square meters.

3. Field management

3.1 Fertilization and soil cultivation

Applying sufficient basal fertilizer is the key to ensuring stable and high yields of eggplant. When preparing the land, deep plowing and application of well-rotted organic fertilizer should be carried out to improve the soil and increase its fertility. After planting, apply dilute decomposed organic fertilizer water in combination with watering every 4 to 5 days. After the roots are firmly established, apply organic fertilizer again at a rate of 800 to 1000 kg/667 square meters. When applying fertilizer, avoid direct contact between fertilizer and leaves or fruits.

3.2 Drainage and irrigation

Eggplant needs an appropriate amount of water but is afraid of waterlogging. During the rainy season, ditches should be cleared and drained in time to prevent waterlogging in the fields. Irrigation can be done by pouring or furrow irrigation.

3.3 Cultivation, weeding and soil cultivation

Intertillage, weeding and topdressing can be carried out at the same time. Intertillage can increase soil temperature and promote seedling growth.

3.4 Pruning and removing old leaves

Appropriately remove the side branches that are too dense at the base to keep the plant well ventilated and light-permeable.

3.5 Prevent petals from falling

Eggplant flower drop may be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient light, dry soil, etc. Spraying an appropriate amount of anti-drop agent during flowering can increase the fruit setting rate.

4. Pest and disease control

The main diseases of eggplant include eggplant cotton blight and eggplant brown streak disease, and the insect pests include small cutworms, eggplant red spiders, etc. For different diseases and insect pests, choose the corresponding pesticides for prevention and control, and pay attention to alternating the use of drugs to avoid the development of drug resistance.

5. Harvest

The suitable harvest period for eggplant is generally 20 to 25 days after flowering. When the color and white ring near the sepals of the fruit change, it indicates that the growth of the fruit slows down. At this time, the elasticity of the fruit increases, and it is the best time to pick it. When harvesting, use scissors or a blade to cut or cut off the fruit stalk to avoid twisting it forcefully. Note that if some varieties are harvested too late, they may produce unpleasant odors and affect their edible value.

In short, growing eggplant requires careful management and suitable conditions. The above is an introduction to several key steps in the process of growing eggplant.