Aubergines 2022

[Snoop Puss]

That's a lot of aubergine for not much food, Mr B.

I know you're all going to say "yes, but you live in Spain", but conditions in my part of Spain are really harsh. And last year I disposed of thousands of snails (no exaggeration). The only big difference, I'd say, is that so far I've seen no red spider mite. Famous last words... I know it exists locally because it's a topic of discussion among growers here.

Start them off in a greenhouse and then move them outdoors? Mine don't get knocked back by the really cold temperatures that often finish off the tomato plants towards the end of September. So a spell of cold isn't the end of the world. Maybe the biggest issue would be waterlogging in frequent rains.

[Mr Bones]

That's a lot of aubergine for not much food, Mr B.

I agree Snoop, I suppose the dish originated in part of the world where they have plenty of aubergines. Was good though.. went great with sourdough flatbreads

[Snoop Puss]

Nobody wants to know I'm going to pick five tonight, all unblemished... Aubergine parmigiana for tea and leftovers cold for lunch tomorrow. To be honest, I actually prefer it cold.

The only care mine get is daily watering and staking to hold up fruit and against wind.

[Dorothyrouse]

first 2 aubergine,both weigh just over 9 ounces, hopefully there will be more! If not work out a bit expensive!

[fimblefowl]

first 2 aubergine,both weigh just over 9 ounces, hopefully there will be more! If not work out a bit expensive!

Fantastic - that's just over 250g! Good size and good looking too.

[Dorothyrouse]

Can’t see anymore appearing unfortunately, am trying the pollination thing!

[Mr Bones]

Congratulations on the arrival of the twins Dorothy

[peanut]

first 2 aubergine,both weigh just over 9 ounces, hopefully there will be more! If not work out a bit expensive!

Well done, they look fab!
I still only have lots of flowers...

[Dorothyrouse]

Any further advice on how to encourage more fruit to form? I have flowers and have done the ‘gentle tapping’ to encourage pollination, but nothing more is happening!

2 beautiful aubergine from 3 bought plants! Works out expensive fruit!

they are outside, in a sheltered and sunny spot, and are fed

[fimblefowl]

No advice Dorothyrouse I am afraid. Mine have gone into that 'flowers only' state too, but after a halfway decent harvest so far.

On the other hand, we don't grow them to undercut Lidl.

[peanut]

Just to make you all feel better, I still only have flowers, lots and lots of flowers.
No fruit at all yet...

[Mr Bones]

Ours are getting red spider mite so they'll be hoiked outside to give the peppers and chillies a better chance.

[fimblefowl]

That seems a bit early, FF. Maybe it's just the weather. I often get a really big flush of aubergines in September. Yours might start up again.

I didn't throw them out and now I have fruits setting again. Ran out of tomato feed so they will just have to make do with high K agricultural fertiliser granules.
Thanks Snoop Puss

[Snoop Puss]

I didn't throw them out and now I have fruits setting again. Ran out of tomato feed so they will just have to make do with high K agricultural fertiliser granules.
Thanks Snoop Puss

September is by far and away the best month here for aubergines and peppers. In your mild climate, you should get a really long aubergine season. Doubtless they'll be happy with whatever you give them.

[Dorothyrouse]

Am thrilled to announce, following your advice about ‘helping pollination’! I have more fruit appearing!