Eggplant question

I'm trying really hard to grow nice eggplant this year. When I grow the ichiban, the fruit always seem to curl and have a brown hard linear blemish on them. Right now they also have a few brown spots. Anyone know what this is and how to prevent it? Thanks! Janet

Janet,
What're you growing in? In my eggplant growing experience, eggplants grow a lot like okra (thirsty and love the heat!). And, they love an organic medium (compost?) . Plenty of water, and feeding on a regular basis. They're hungry, water hogs.

They (and the okras) do exceptionally well in my eBuckets, with the built in water reservoirs.

Hope this helps.

Linda



This message was edited May 3, 2011 9:39 AM

Sounds to me like they were left on the plant too long. You should pick Eggplants when they're shiny and glossy. Hard brown spots usually means they are past their prime.

Yep. Forgot about that one.

Thanks, Ray!

Thanks guys. I'm feeding and watering and picking!

It sounds like you have more than one problem going on. The first is the fruit curl. Low moisture combined with high temperatures causes eggplant fruit to curl. The fruit develops rapidly and needs a steady supply of moisture the entire time it is forming. Regarding the spots...I'm not seeing a photo but eggplants are susceptible to Alternaria and several other problems that also are hosted by tomatoes and peppers. Since Aternaria is common with eggplants, and is soil borne, that might be the likeliest suspect. I use Daconil. It has a low residual, which means I need to spray frequently, but not daily, though it is not organic if you are bent in that direction. I have been able to extend my harvest from maximum four weeks to several months.

MaypopLaurel,
Those look marvelous. I get what you said about the steady need for water during the growIng phase. I suspect that is why I've had such success growing the water hogs in eBuckets that have built-in reservoirs.

As long as the reservoirs are kept filled, the plants can take up water as they want to.

Broccolis, cauliflowers, cabbages and okra also do well in eBuckets.

Linda

Now that's a senior moment for you! lol I'm sure everyone is scratching their head and wondering why I have a photo of squash. Okay, lets try some eggplants.

I know you're a big fan of eBuckets, Gymgirl. Fortunately our conditions don't require bucket gardening.

Japanese eggplants might be more appropriate.

Truthfully, I would not enjoy gardening in buckets though it's very useful in some climates and with some soils. I love crawling around in the dirt, hoeing, mulching...all that jazz. I practiced some container gardening years ago but it wasn't the same to me.

Okay, second senior moment (as she smacks herself for not attaching photo).

Hi Gymgirl,
Not to sound dumb, but what are ebuckets? They sound like what I need for my tomatoes!
Thanks,
hoogie

Hoogie,
Here's the eBucket history from the day the idea started taking shape. We were all using two buckets for the system, and someone asked if there was a way to make a self-watering system using only ONE bucket. I suggest you read through each thread. By the time you finish, you're seedlings will be ready for plantout (LOL). Just kidding. But, a lot of knowledge is to be had in those discussions.

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1011889/

Linda

Gymgirl, thanks so much! I look forward to reading and learning!!

Don't hesitate to holler if there's something you need help with.