Aubergines are a popular Mediterranean vegetable with their mild taste. They offer an interesting variety in the vegetable patch. In this post, you'll learn why it's so important to support eggplants from the start and how to do it right.
Why do eggplants need to be supported and how to do it correctly?
Aubergines produce large, heavy fruits, so that individual branches or the entire plantkink easilyStrong winds or rain can also topple the plant. Attach the eggplant plantcarefully to the support without damaging plant parts.
Do all types of eggplant need support?
Eggplant plants produce large fruits that weigh up to a kilo, depending on the type. Even a small eggplant variety sometimes produces heavy fruits, which puts the plant at risk of snapping. Therefore, you shouldsupport all eggplants.
Why do eggplants need support?
Depending on the type, eggplants grow up to 150 centimeters high and require support so thatno parts of the plant break offas soon as the heavy fruits form. Eggplants grown outdoors, in raised beds or in pots are particularly at risk during heavy summer thunderstorms and strong winds. The large leaves offer a good surface for attack, so that shoots or even larger parts of the plant break off. A support has the further advantage that the leaves and fruits do not lie on the ground and are therefore better protected against diseases and fungal infections.
When should eggplants be supported?
Aubergines should beaccustomed to the trellis early on. As soon as you plant the young plants outdoors or in pots, you should support them. This will prevent injuries to the root system or the plant, which can easily happen when plugging in later.
How to support eggplants outdoors and in the greenhouse?
Aubergines are not climbing plants and cannot hold themselves together. Therefore, you should help them with this. However, always make sureno plant partsinjure. Eggplants can be supported with various aids:
- Trellis or trellis
- Support rod
- Twins (also suitable in the greenhouse)
- Rank tower or column
Carefully attach the main shoot to the support. When checking the plants regularly, tie any new shoots to them as well. The plant must always be stable and secure.
How do you support eggplant in a pot?
Trails for eggplants in pots or buckets should bemobileand ideally also installed in the pot. Astable support rodmade of wood, a trellis or a trellis is particularly suitable for this. Don't forget to use a sufficiently large and heavy container so that the plant has a good weight has and is stable.
Tip
Build your own eggplant support
It's best to build a cheap and natural support yourself. You can let your creativity run wild. Use what is available to you. Ideally, you should use natural materials such as hemp, sisal, coconut fiber, jute, wood or metal so as not to pollute the environment.
