Epic aubergine fail

[bario1]

Hi all,

I'm really disappointed with my 1st attempt at growing aubergines - most of the flowers seem to go mouldy as soon as they are pollinated, and the ones that do start to develop into fruit seem to be attacked by pests before they are a decent size. From six plants in growbags in the polytunnel i've only had one fruit that made it to maturity. I've added some pics, hopefully someone can offer some advice? Also, what is that weird spider? I'm sure it's eating the plants, and making those little holes you can see on the fruit...

[roitelet]

Looks as if you have an attack of Botritis or grey mould. This can be made worse by cool, damp and poor ventilation, also in pic. 2 it could be slug damage. The spider is a daddylonglegs and is carnivorius so won't be eating the plants.

Don't give up! Next year plant early as soon as you are sure that you can keep them frost free. Water from the bottom only and keep the leaves and flowers dry. Ventilate well, pinch the out the tips at 15cm high to encourage side shoots which will bear more fruit. You could feed with a high potash feed when they start to flower. I never bother. I do however tickle the flowers whenever I pass to aid pollination.

This will make you sick!! I have been giving them away this year as I can't use them all.

[bario1]

Yes, slugs have definitely been at them, you can see the trails... but all the fruits seem to have one of these deep round craters in them that look different to the 'grazings' of slugs?
As for the mould, maybe i'm just too far north to grow mediterranean fruit, even in a polytunnel?

[chris]

Looks like a prime candidate for http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ure_73924.html

[bario1]

Thanks for that Chris!!

[Jardiniere]

Better luck next year.I was going to say why not try growing them outside then I saw your location!