Eggplant 'Goyo Kumba' (Eggplant)

Start Eggplant inside about 8 weeks before you want to transplant out bearing in mind that you do not want to plant out until all danger of frost has passed and soil temps are past 60F (16C). Cool temperatures -- even those which don't kill plants -- will weaken them. Seeds want to germinate in soil around 80 to 90F (27 to 33C). If started indoors, reduce water and temperature gradually to harden off plants before transplanting outside. Black plastic mulch will warm soil and bring transplant date forward a bit. Organic mulch can be used after soil temps have increased and plastic removed to maintain moisture levels. Transplants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) in rows at least 30 inches (75 cm) apart. Eggplant benefit from extra fertilizer but don't chose one high in Nitrogen as this will promote foliate growth to the detriment of the fruit set. A few weeks before temperatures are expected to drop, remove flowers and direct energy into existing fruit. Eggplants and other members of the tomato family should be rotated around the garden to prevent disease proliferation.