Eggplants are best started as transplants. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch 6 to 8 weeks before desired planting date.

Plant transplants between May 1 and July 1, May 10 and June 15, and May 15 and June 1 for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky.

Transplants should be spaced 18 inches apart.

If planting a container, it should contain 4-5 gallons per plant.

Water about 1 inch per week (including rain). Take extra care to uniformly supply water from flowering to harvest.

An additional 5 tablespoons of a high nitrogen fertilizer per 10 ft of row can be applied after first fruit set.

Eggplants are ready for harvest 50-60 days after the seeds were planted. Removing mature fruit quickly can encourage more production.

Harvest before they lose their glossy color. This, and dark seeds are signs of over maturity, which can mean that the eggplant has a spongy texture.

Cut fruit from the plant so that the branches are not damaged.

Eggplant bruise easily, so handle them carefully.