How to Grow Eggplant in Containers || Black Gumbo

In this episode we plant eggplant seedlings in containers. Learn how to grow these plants easily in a pot. We'll cover everything from preparing the pot with drainage, filling the pot, amending the soil, planting and mulch. I will also speak about the difference in water soluble fertilizer (wait until the end) and slow-release fertilizer. This method is suited to all, even those with limited gardening space.
If you watch many of our videos, you will notice this is the same method I use for almost every potted vegetable plant. Its a versatile method and in this longer video I give all the details.
Support my channel and get 10% off of your order at ivorganics.com/ , use my promo code: GUMBO10
Support my channel by shopping at Seeds for Generations:
seedsforgenerations.com/?ref=171
__
Black Gumbo shares our suburban, backyard, sustainable gardening efforts. We work a small-scale, typical Zone 9a garden and raised beds, the kind of gardening accessible to all. We tend to take the slice of life approach and hope you will enjoy our family, our dog, our cooking, our adventures, and occasionally some commentary and advice. We love family, joy and friendship, and we invite you to enjoy these things with us!

[@sheilamiller4176]

Never have had success with my eggplants in garden so will try the pots this time

[@seedaholicgardens9085]

Interesting tip on the mulch in the bottom, then fertilizer right over, so genius!TY!

[@frankeisenhauer1501]

I liked your comment about checking your plants before you buy them for bugs good job

[@ScottHead]

Thank you, Frank, its just one of those things you learn along the way that can save a lot of headache.

[@tammy-lynnstewart5677]

Love your vids. Very informative and easy to follow along. I like the fact that you are not constantly promoting super expensive stuff and show how a lot of things can be done with small spaces and not break the bank.

[@ScottHead]

Thanks! That's what I love, gardening resourcefully. :-)

[@tammy-lynnstewart5677]

@@ScottHead So do I. I live in a cold climate though so I am always glad when spring is on its way.

[@cltinturkey]

Here I am watching this again as I plant three kinds of eggplants for 2021. Hoping for a banner year!

[@josephineherrera8508]

Thank you. Just what I needed today as I was planting my eggplants.

[@christhompson3316]

I've been container gardening indoors for about a year and a half now. The amount of info and tips I learned in the first half of this video alone was amazing, instant subscribe!

[@Links-yp7ft]

Always appreciate your input and guidance for our gardening issues. Really like the way you take your time and explain things. Thank a lot!

[@mareamiller6957]

So helpful! I appreciate it. I'm trying eggplant for the first time this year, so I'm excited!

[@1mrmerced]

I'm starting some eggplant for the first time. Thank you for the solid tips.

[@bobketteringham4779]

Thank you. I’m going to plant a couple of eggplants using your advise.

[@christiroseify]

Really enjoy your garden and am grateful for all the information. I'm planting my first eggplants in pots this year and really appreciate you showing how to layer the soil for better health to the plant. Thank you and God bless.

[@benthere8051]

I really enjoy your videos. You do a very good job with your cinematography and you provide such good information as well. Your recommendation of the Gorilla Cart was right on. I'm very happy I found your channel. I've been gardening for over 50 years and you are teaching this old dog new tricks. edit: - I love your little dog.

[@backyardhomestead2230]

I really enjoyed the video. You gave some really great tips. I completely agree with you about mulching everything! Thanks!! -Lea

[@ScottHead]

Thanks Lea, I'm intrigued by your channel and have subbed. Love the catfish pond!

[@r.rebeccacarter5653]

Thanks for this!!! I used to live in Louisiana and would grow eggplant in the garden with little effort. Now I'm in Michigan, where hot crops don't do too well. Trying my eggplant in pots this year - will put them in the hot concrete driveway!! I like the mulch-on-the-bottom tip. I typically put pebbles in the bottom for drainage, but will try out this method.

[@AliceMarieM]

you have an excellent assistant.

[@marinarobinson5718]

I am planting my first ever eggplant today after watching this and will see if mine will do well like yours. Thanks for sharing.

[@Dorraineification]

I'm so excited to see a youtuber from Friendswood!! I grew up in Friendswood and lived part of my married life there. Such a great town. I now live in Virginia and stumbled across your channel searching for information about planting eggplants in containers. Thank you for this great video!

[@TerryeToombs]

I've driven by the processing plant in Seward, Alaska when they were mixing up a batch. I don't think I've ever smelled anything that eye watering in my life.

[@johanconradie2120]

good. better. best.: always ever fill a container bottom quarter with 'sticks an stones an bones': it works miracles.(with handful of fertilizer of course)

[@cubieoatme1742]

Hi Scott...just fiound your channel 2 days ago and oh my...I've got a lot to learn about growing plants in pots! Most in 5gal buckets I'm in NC about 35miles north of Charlotte and I have a million questions but will ask you only 1 for now. I bought a bag of cedar mulch because the lady that helped me said it helps to keep insects away. I'm in my 73 yr and the first time trying to grow some things I like. Your videos are a God send...thank you!!! Rose in NC

[@ScottHead]

Cedar can be good mulch. Some swear by it. It does repel certain pests which is why we store valuables in a cedar chest. Welcome and best wishes.

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

I know you focused on eggplant here but the methodology is so applicable to any container plant that is a heavy feeder. Loving your content, thank you!

[@mardeahsmith1896]

Thanks Scott for this video, I like it cause I'm about to plant my eggplant.

[@DC-js3ro]

Thank you! I've started growing eggplants in containers and got some good pointers from you.

[@clairedelara9]

Thank you for the great and awesome tips..we're neophytes on planting vegetables but we're getting there :)! Your video helps give us some education on the basic of planting in containers! Keep the videos coming!

[@SuperPrincessKB]

Thanks for the good info. Will try growing in a pot for the 1st time.

[@duncantaylor232]

Very helpful. Clear, easy to follow and entertaining. Thanks from Sydney Australia!

[@dbirdeycapozzi9807]

You're the Man with a Plan! This is my 2nd time growing eggplant, and you've given me some important pointers which can spur me on toward success! I'm so glad Black Gumbo showed up in my feed today, and you have a new subscriber ~ Thanks

[@ScottHead]

Welcome and thanks! Good luck with your eggplant.

[@adrianborden1546]

...Thank you, this was very insightful.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

Your dog getting at your hose is hilarious!

[@paulclark3713]

Thank you very helpful tips and a clear and informative video, I will use your tips with my aubergines this year in the UK. Thank you so much and good luck.

[@ceejayretired]

Hi from New Zealand, I'm pleased I've seen your channel. I grow everything in pots and after 5 years of trying to grow eggplant in pots I had given up but I will try again this coming spring. Many thanks for the tips. Now i have to go watch your tomato video although i have had success with these.

[@Tom-gardenplants1849]

Thanks for sharing

[@ThuPham-qx4qo]

Thanks for your tips! Love your corgi, he is adorable.

[@ScottHead]

Thanks! Our corgi has her own episode on our channel, we love her!

[@fotyfar]

Good strategy, may u always be fruitful guys , thank u for helping us with ur practical useful tips

[@katief4697]

Great videos! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@leemullally8774]

Thanks for the useful information on planting egg plants in containers. I plan to use that information and look forward to the results.

[@dakisking]

Great video ,super informative!

[@mikelovetere4719]

Great info and tips. Thanks..

[@allotmentgardeningatplot5040]

Loved this proper explanation ty

[@ritabrunetti381]

Great idea to grow in pots. We have a large deck...hoping to pot some veggies in containers. Thanks for your advice. Be well.

[@candidamerritt2251]

Good morning from Houston Texas. Wow that's good looking eggplant. For me I like Japanese eggplant. Thanks for your sharing thanks a lot!

[@ScottHead]

Thanks for stopping by, neighbor!

[@armstronglien2659]

Just got some white eggplant plants ready for the garden. Thanks for the tutorial🙂.

[@mikelovetere4719]

Great explanation of what and why..

[@DougNoordhoek]

awesome job thanks for keeping it simple

[@jonhawkins2374]

I love eggplant , great video!!!!

[@kandiceh617]

Just bought the same pots a few days ago!

[@bearfruitgardening6908]

This is year is a year of a lot of first for me and eggplant is one of them. This video was very, very helpful. Thank you.

[@gargiupadhyaya4340]

Thank you! 🙏🏽this is very good information.

[@romanstenthirteen6747]

In the the time of "Stay at home policy" i landed here because I just want to have some knowledge how to handle at home gardening like eggplant planting and many others.at least for beginners..thank you this vedio.

[@cynthiahiebert5023]

Yes I have had same bug issue! Some stores dont do bug control!

[@DeepSouthTexas]

Looks like a trip to Home Depot is in my future. Thanks. 🤠

[@ScottHead]

Its a good way to extend your garden for sure.

[@Annie.xx-xx]

Thanks for this video. I'll be potting my aubergine tomorrow. So I've subscribed as I see all your veg plants look amazing . 💙🌱🌱🌱🌱🌻

[@pcproff]

Love your channel Scott

[@craiglozzi5391]

Great video and it's obvious how much you love gardening. Really appreciated the tips about the mulch at the bottom and top, buying parts with that 2" layer to ensure some moisture at the bottom and details on fertilization. Looking forward to watching some more of your videos! By necessity this year all my plants are in pots so I was really excited to learn how to take care of two eggplants I bought yesterday.

[@ScottHead]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sihameltawil4244]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@laveggarden3341]

I am just starting my container garden and am amazed by how little that cannot be grown in containers if you use the right size container. Great video!

[@ScottHead]

Thanks, hope your garden flourishes. :-)

[@mareamiller6957]

I used to grow all kind of things in 5 gallon buckets that I drilled holes in the bottom of. Some things I probably stunted, but the produced lots of delicious food :)

[@Gina-yy5fe]

Try drilling the holes about 2-3” above on the side instead of the very bottom! It will hold that much more water, so the plant roots can pull it up later

[@carmendelgado2861]

I live in Central Florida, zone 9 and started my garden late in the season. My tomatoes and cucumbers have not fared so well with the 90° heat. You've inspired me to grow eggplant in containers. I'm also going to give corn and melons a try this summer. Thank you for sharing your valuable tips.

[@rebeccaiya8731]

I have tiny eggplants I started from seed.yippee.so exciting to see my veggies &fruit grow.&Yes that Alaska fish fertilizer is stinky.lol

[@shingj4007]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, and your poppy is very interesting.

[@erminesmart6034]

Great looking garden

[@1423colin]

Thank you.

[@miriamolino1511]

Good tips in planting eggplants.

[@donnaaschenbrenner5789]

Thank You

[@GreenOrganicLove]

Awesome awesome info.

[@shareeaw]

I love your videos.. Very helpful

[@sherreeroper7656]

I make my own mulch and compost.. I mix top soil w it. I'd love to put in the ground but I have lots of trees and roots. Everywhere I dig there's roots .

[@jackiecumo]

I love your doggie! Thanks for the tips on fish emulsion and vertical growing. Had no idea these things get to 4 feet! Yikes.

[@jayblazer9750]

👍thumbs up for dog trying to catch the water lol😂😂great content & happy growing✌😁

[@ScottHead]

Thanks 👍Yes, our Corgi is always defending us from the evil water spray.

[@parvatikisun1872]

Thank you well explained

[@ge45gecalled39]

you really care

[@jtharp9265]

Oh, I'm glad this video came up on my feed , 1st, I got the Slim eggplants and the Honeynut- butternut squash from Baker Creek, I have several big pots ( kids totes for toys I found at Wally world last year )$6.00 that I did my experiment with organic fingerling potatoes in August that had some eyes/ chits as I started later in spring really summer , We got a beautiful blessing for Thanksgiving. My 1st potatoes I grew in 1 tote & several in grow bags , Even my 2 youngest granddaughters were excited ; it's like hunting for an Easter basket as a child...my husband video taped us, .....brought a smile to me ! So I'm gonna plant my eggplants like you did So I won't have to worry about the diseases as much keeping away from the plots or our raised beds, I bought a gallon of that fish emulsion from Amazon back in December, b4 prices started going CRAZY HIGH IN PRICE ..... THINKING OF PLANTING SOME PEPPER VARIETIES IN POTS / GROW BAGS AS WELL. THANK U 4 ALL YOUR GREAT CONTENT , ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I CAN NOW HAVE MORE . YOUR A GREAT TEACHER. GOD BLESS U MRS JOSETTE THARP MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS 🙏🏻 P.S DID YOU GET THOSE TOMATO CAGES ( I REALLY LIKE THEM , I SAW GARY HAS SOME ALSO . FROM GUNTLEYS SEED COMPANY ? as they have them with that great deal they have $25 off $50 $50 off $100 & $100 off a $200 order .... They r selling them 2 for $44.99. It would be easier than trellising, I have enough to start .but those seem very sturdy ... ?????????

[@ScottHead]

Tomato cages were from Home Depot, they had the large ones.

[@GabbyRocio]

We grow the Chinese and Japanese eggplants for making Filipino eggplant omelette.

[@manoranjandey7935]

Very nice presentation.

[@jtharp9265]

I needed this as my eggplants 🍆 are ready to go in my raised bed , I bought the Slim ones little finger eggplants 🍆. They are ready , like. Our Honeynut- butternut squash I absolutely love butternut squash an these are 1 person lil ones , hoping getting a start early , I won't lose them to the mold stuff ....but Gary says to spray every week with baking soda if no signs just as preventative ..... Watching now ..... So much great informative content , thank you Scott . Josette Tharp Montgomery County, Texas 🙏🏻

[@thescentsophisticate8865]

thanks you for great video! and your dog is sooo cute!

[@ScottHead]

Thank you too!

[@lcliat]

Thanks for the video, love that little dog. I'm trying various ways of staking each year. This one I'm staking with wires every 15 Cm's, coiled around 2 big iron rods. Hope it works

[@ScottHead]

Sounds great!

[@DarrylN2UPhotography]

great video, have the same pots, but was going to plant 2 plants per pot....hahahhahaa dogs are soooo funny 12:12

[@mardeahsmith1896]

Thanks for teaching me how to plant

[@ScottHead]

It's my pleasure

[@LittleRapGuy]

Cool video

[@michaeldelgaudio1661]

The mulch is black because of dyes added by the manufacturer. I wouldn’t advise topping off with mulch because that dye is leaching down and possibly absorbed by the plant and into the eggplant itself.

[@ScottHead]

This is "Natural Earth All Natural Hardwood Mulch" which has no dye. It is blackish because it has been sitting in the back composting for over a year. In other videos,you can see this mulch,when freshly purchased, it naturally coloredwithnodye as listed on the bag. Good advice to use no dyes.

[@bazzahannah]

awesome

[@kamalachettri6196]

Good job

[@mr.gusguerrero7677]

niceeeee hello from Panama

[@venicemitchell1407]

I never liked it as a kid. But my daughter made Eggplant Lasagne and now I'm hooked. I'm hoping to try just one transplant as soon as possible. But it's so cold and grainy here in n.y

[@MsRoosmarii]

I envy your skills and climate.

[@ScottHead]

If I can grow stuff, anyone can. :-)

[@samueljames7880]

Good and sample

[@reetsingh433]

Will do this today, good thing I have mulch on hand. Love the Corgi in the back 🤗🤗🤗

[@MsNahid123]

lovely your location is sooo beautiful

[@WuesteGobi]

Two out of eight egg plants made it into the raised beds in my green house. Next year I definitely buy them in April instead of sowing in February, keeping them under LED and then loosing 75% of them. Same with the Chilies. Only one made it into the green house. Thou it’s still nice to have a variety of veggies for the family out of your own garden.

[@ScottHead]

Hoping your eggplants do well. What kind did you sow this year?

[@debrasfrugallife3703]

This is nice . I'm trying to grow eggplant 🍆 now it's my 2nd attempt to it .

[@RichieHariuchi]

Love the vids!!! I think you should water your dog more! Hahahahaha

[@katrinalee7804]

Great info and the dog is so cute

[@tonyaltobello6885]

12:11 when I'm felling angry and someone asks ma a question.

[@lorraineshobajo3703]

ANYTHING. DR. EARTH IS GOOD! The SOILS THEY MAKE ARE EXCELLENT FOR ALL TYPES OF GARDENS. JUST REALLY GOOD ORGANIC STUFF. HAPPY GARDENING🍀☘️🌹🌼🌷🌳!

[@ScottHead]

Thanks, I really like this Dr. Earth stuff.

[@rasylifetoday1597]

It's like the roof of my house full of crops That's right. I'm always on it on the roof of my house

[@annamuchachaki]

I want that doggy!!

[@dbirdeycapozzi9807]

Haha! Me too!

[@audreyfastuca5960]

Hi Scott! Great video, love your dog too who was sneeking a sip of water behind you. One question about mulching as I'm using the wood chip on all my container plants this year for the first time: do I need to remove the mulch layer next year when planting or will it be decomposed enough that I can add a little more compost and replant?

[@ScottHead]

Just keep adding to it each year. :-)

[@acs197]

I started some Chinese eggplant from seed and I might try a few in containers and a few in the ground as an experiment. :)

[@ScottHead]

I'd love to know how it goes.

[@debiegordon3787]

Luv ur videos! U say any kind of mulch will do...most store bought mulch is treated w chemicals! I'm trying cypress mulch. I live in FL & going to try eggplant in Sept. Thanks for the great tips. 👍🌾🍆