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Where is it better to grow eggplants, in a greenhouse or outside: a note for gardeners
29.05.2024 04:10
Growing eggplants is a fun activity that brings the joy of having fresh vegetables on the table.
However, before planting, you need to choose a location: a greenhouse or open ground.
Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into account when choosing the best place for eggplants, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
Greenhouse: advantages and disadvantages
A greenhouse is an artificially created environment that protects plants from unpredictable weather changes. This provides a number of advantages.
Firstly, in a greenhouse, you can get an eggplant harvest 2-3 weeks earlier than in open ground.
Secondly, the greenhouse maintains optimal temperature, humidity and lighting, which is especially important for heat-loving eggplants, which do not tolerate cold and sudden temperature changes well.
Thirdly, the greenhouse protects eggplants from insects, birds and other pests.
Fourthly, it is convenient to take care of plants in a greenhouse: water, feed, and inspect them.
However, a greenhouse also has its disadvantages. Construction and maintenance of a greenhouse require financial investments. In addition, there may not be enough light in the greenhouse, especially in cloudy weather. Also, high humidity in the greenhouse can contribute to the development of fungal diseases.
Open ground: advantages and disadvantages
Growing eggplants in open ground is a more traditional method, which also has its advantages. Firstly, there is no need to build and maintain a greenhouse. Secondly, the plants receive more natural light. Thirdly, there is less moisture in open ground, which reduces the risk of disease.
But there are also disadvantages. In open ground, eggplants are exposed to weather conditions such as frost, drought and heavy rains.
Plants in open ground are more susceptible to pest attacks. And finally, in open ground it is more difficult to control the microclimate and watering.
How to Choose a Place to Grow Eggplants
The choice of location for growing eggplants depends on several factors. In regions with a cold climate, where the summer is short, it is better to grow eggplants in a greenhouse.
If you have a limited budget, then it is better to choose open ground. If you do not have experience growing eggplants, then a greenhouse may be a more convenient option.
And finally, some varieties of eggplants are more resistant to adverse conditions and can be grown in open ground.
Recommendations for growing eggplants
Regardless of the location chosen for growing eggplants, it is important to follow these recommendations:
1. Choose a sunny spot: eggplants love light.
2. Prepare the soil: eggplants prefer fertile, loose soil.
3. Plant the seedlings: Plant the eggplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
4. Water regularly: Eggplants need regular watering.
5. Apply fertilizer: Feeding eggplants is necessary to obtain a good harvest.
6. Remove weeds promptly: weeds compete with eggplants for nutrients.
Previously we talked about how to get rid of cruciferous flea beetles .
