How to Grow Eggplant in the Mid-Atlantic

Start by having your soil tested in the fall, the year before you plan to grow eggplant. This crop prefers fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil test kit can be obtained from your local university extension office (see resources), and the results will include the pH and nutrient levels of your soil, along with recommendations for lime and other amendments.

Start seeds in containers, indoors, six to eight weeks before the last average spring frost date for your region. Frost dates are available from university extensions in most areas. Eggplant seeds should be set less than an inch deep in a loose, fertile, well-drained potting mix. Be sure to keep them warm and well-lit while they germinate. If you plan to buy seedlings from a nursery rather than grow your own, you may skip this step.

Transplant eggplant outdoors in spring only after all danger of frost has passed, ideally a week or two after your area's last average frost date. Dates vary greatly throughout the Mid-Atlantic region: in southern Virginia you can transplant eggplant in late April, but areas of New York may have frost well into June.

Set eggplant seedlings in your garden 18 to 24 inches apart with 30 to 36 inches between rows. Water only enough to keep the soil moist; never allow the soil to become wet and waterlogged, as this can suffocate the roots.

Watch for diseases and pests and treat as needed. Eggplant can be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, aphids, flea beetles, lace bugs and spider mites.

Harvest when eggplant fruit is ripe. With most varieties, this will be indicated by large, shiny fruit with a uniform deep purple color. Most eggplant varieties take 75 to 80 days to ripen from the transplant date.