Eggplant seedlings are not grown in order to waste several months of work due to an unsuccessful transplant.
You can’t ignore advice on hardening before transplanting, proper preparation of the bed, etc. But the main thing in this matter is the timing, preparation of the soil and selection of neighbors in the bed or greenhouse.
Transplantation dates
Having sown the seeds for seedlings in March, you can prepare the bushes for transplantation closer to the end of May. But the most important thing is to take into account the weather and climate conditions. Particular attention is paid to the soil temperature (19-22 degrees) and the air temperature in the greenhouse (15-18 degrees).
At the time of transplantation into the greenhouse, the eggplants should be 72-73 days old, they should have thick stems and at least 5 leaves. The bushes should be about 13-16 cm high.
Soil
Before placing the seedlings in the holes, you need to disinfect the soil and add fertilizer. Many treat the holes with boiling water, then add 1 handful of wood ash mixed with garden soil. The hole is watered with 1 liter of water (room temperature) and the bushes are placed.
It is important not to plant them deeper than when they were growing in cups.
About 50 cm are left between the bushes. Planting in a checkerboard pattern is also practiced.
Neighbors in the garden bed
In a greenhouse, eggplants will feel comfortable with bell peppers, basil, as well as onions and spinach, lettuce or radishes.
Hot (bitter) peppers can spoil the taste of eggplants, so they are not suitable for joint planting, just like tomatoes and cucumbers.
