Aubergines are among the most vigorous plants. In order to cover the high nutrient requirements, effective organic fertilizers are available to choose from. How to fertilize an eggplant (Solanum melongena) using natural means.
How should you fertilize an eggplant?
To optimally fertilize an eggplant, you should use organic compost or pot plant soil on the day of planting and apply a diluted nettle liquid fertilizer every 10 to 14 days during the growth phase. Avoid wetting the leaves with the manure.
Fertilize eggplant organically on the day of planting
Time is short for an eggplant to bloom lavishly and bear ripe fruit in the Central European climate. Provide the exotic egg tree with a rich nutrient buffet on the day it is planted. With this organic starter fertilization you will do it right:
- Bed/greenhouse: incorporate 3 to 5 liters of mature compost per m² of planting area
- Bucket: enrich peat-free pot plant soil to 1/3 with sifted compost soil
Before you water an eggplant after planting, sprinkle the root slice thinly with horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon) or horn meal.
Make your own organic fertilizer and dose it correctly
The right fertilizer for eggplants is quick-acting and free of chemical-mineral additives. Nettle manure from our own production meets both criteria with flying colors, strengthens the immune system and improves the taste of the eggs. The recipe and dosage are that simple:
Make liquid fertilizer for eggplants
- Fill the tub with 1000 grams of nettle leaves
- Fill in 10 liters of rainwater
- Put on the lid or cover the container with jute
- Place in a sunny location for 10 to 14 days
- Stir daily
The fermentation process can be recognized by rising air bubbles and an intense smell. If no more bubbles appear when you stir, the nettle manure is ready. Pour the broth through a sieve. You can dispose of the plant remains in the compost.
Fertilize eggplant with nettle manure
The fermented plant manure is too concentrated to be used as liquid fertilizer. Dilute the manure concentrate by adding ten liters of collected rainwater to one liter of nettle broth. The easiest way to administer the liquid organic fertilizer is with a watering can. At intervals of 10 to 14 days, water the root slice of an eggplant with nettle liquid. It is important to note that the plant leaves are not wetted with the liquid.
Tip
An eggplant should conserve its energy and not invest in barren side shoots. Whenever you fertilize, keep an eye out for small shoots sprouting from the leaf axils. These are useless branches that are not welcome on tomatoes either. You can simply snap off the stingy shoots with two fingers.
