My Secret to Growing Eggplant - Ultimate Guide

How to grow eggplants from seed organically in your home garden. Follow my 2 year journey trying to grow eggplants while battling pests and other issues. The complete guide to grow eggplant from seed to harvest, including a recipe for ratatouille.
Support the channel: / suburbanhomestead or buy my art www.etsy.com/shop/SiloeOliveira
Created by: Siloe Oliveira
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Preparation - Seeding
02:16 The importance of Repotting
03:21 Dealing with Aphids
04:11 Hardening off seedlings
04:39 Finding the right location
05:49 Protecting from Groundhog
06:36 Controlling flea beetles
07:38 Spray to repel flea beetles
10:19 Controlling flea beetles by hand
11:44 Experimenting with Covers to Control Flea Beetle
13:20 A false hope and a new beginning
14:47 Using proper row covers
15:46 Diatomaceous Earth to Control Flea Beetles
16:55 Planting Height and Flea Beetle Control
18:18 Hand Pollinating Experiment
19:30 Harvesting
20:30 Summary of Strategies for Eggplant Success
21:43 Eggplant Ratatouille Recipe

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL... I just uploaded an eggplant video also. Not as detailed as this video though - nice :) P.S In my experiments the red stripy medium-sized variety in your video is one of the best disease-resistant ones I have grown.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Great to have you stop by and comment Mark. It is nice to know that these smaller stripy ones are more resistant. I didn't know that. I'm sure eggplants must love your Australian climate.

[@laurabailey4507]

Is that Rosa Bianca? That's what I'm trying this year. Black beauty was bad for me last year, the beetles ate the leaves overnight!

[@jaclo3112]

Hey. My two favourite garden youtubers in the same comments section.

[@rosea830]

Oh, I wish it were just a disease we deal with here, but it's a tiny armada of aubergine-destroying pests, lol. Do you guys even have flea beetles in Australia? Those awesome raised beds you have seem high enough to discourage them, so I've never seen their damage on your plants.

[@elisabetk2595]

@@laurabailey4507 Pretty sure those are Listada, both are beautiful and very good. Rosita is another favorite of mine.

[@TalEdds]

I love all your videos! So much beauty, effort and work goes into each video. It's like an educational art piece. Keep doing what you do, as I've learned so much from each video you publish!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you so much!

[@bluesummer1004]

I really enjoy that these videos cover such long-term projects and that you capture it all. It makes it feel like even more of a hero's journey to victory!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thanks for appreciating the effort spent stitching together these stories!

[@ddognine]

I live in Zone 9 and our summers are long and hot. I started growing eggplant for the first time last year. Sowed the seeds in March outside. They sprouted pretty quickly, but then looked sad and depressed until June when the 90+ degree weather finally set in. Suddenly they came alive. There aren't many plants that can endure our sweltering summers, but eggplant is truly tropical and loves the heat. Those tiny seedlings got four feet tall with tons of foliage and flowers almost overnight. Before the first frost, I removed two plants from the garden, potted them up, and kept them alive through the winter. They are back in the garden and even bigger than last year. While insects are attracted to the lush foliage, their growth is so vigorous I don't worry at all. I also saved some seeds as well. It is nice growing a plant that thrives in our heat vs battling the elements. So i applaud your determination to grow a plant that isn't suitable for your climate. That is a true passion.

[@elisabetk2595]

Trying to outrace damage with new growth is definitely my strategy. I start pruning off damaged leaves when there's enough newer growth to support the plant; the plant seems to respond with more vigor. Flea beetles really have a nose for stressed plants. They also seem to get lazier as the season progresses, not sure if that's because of life cycle or because it's more work to climb up taller plants or because the plants themselves are less attractive as they get thicker skins. With our long season (Texas), patience is rewarded. Gardeners up north can't wait it out.

[@pamelaadams3649]

I love eggplant and so does my whole family. One gardening season I over planted some seeds and had an over abundance of them. We had every eggplant dish you could imagine that season. I portioned them and froze them for the winter lasting till next seasons harvest! I love your videos, and seeing them makes me excited for the upcoming season!

[@suburbanhomestead]

That is awesome! a great way of extending the yield.

[@DamonBowe]

Your videos are so cleanly produced, it's really impressive.

[@lsalinas2573]

I never tire of watching your videos they are like mini documentaries! Well researched and eloquently communicated and the gardens are delectable 😉 .... superior to any "homestead" video I've seen, a class of your own.

[@TheWeedyGarden]

So glad to see your channel growing like it is atm Siloe.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you for the positive energy David. I really lucked out with the cottage garden video. You witnessed when I was at a seemingly hopeless low and have always provided optimism and inspiration, brother.

[@TheWeedyGarden]

@@suburbanhomestead yeah man. Really nice to see. I have some catching up to do 😂😂

[@KerriEverlasting]

This video has 9.6k views, but 8k of those were me lol, I could watch all day. Gorgeous work, so much info, I love the way you went over a few years. Most videos are more like a snapshot with no before or after. As far as I'm concerned I find information more compelling than cute graphics. I'm here for the knowledge and you always overdeliver. 💖💖💖

[@pavneet1131]

These videos must take so much time and effort. this is becoming my fav channel. I am from India, and we grow eggplants in our garden every summer. In India you just put the seed in the soil and they grow very easily. But i still loveed watching your process. You should look into Indian recipes made from eggplant. (aloo baingan, baingan fry, baingan ka bharta are some indian ways of cooking eggplat)

[@screechinglilies]

I'm not even an eggplant fan nor plan to grow any but I still watched this video cause your videos are always quality 👌

[@kmarshall53]

I’ve never grown eggplants, but with a recipe to use and a strategy to employ, I may try them! Thank you for all of the work you put into these lovely videos - I always enjoy seeing the interior shots of your beautiful home as well as the gardening advice. 💗 from Pennsylvania.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@OrtoInScatola]

Damn, a two year long video production! Your channel is definitely one of the best KZbin channel, truly worth subscribing to

[@dustinbodin3224]

Those are some beautiful eggplants. I grew similar looking plants last year that were called Nubia eggplants. I got the seed from Hoss Tools. They look uncannily similar. My wife and I really enjoyed stuffing them with a chicken sausage and apple mixture. They were wonderful.

[@suburbanhomestead]

They are quite delicious as well. Thanks for stopping by!

[@dakotaovdan]

I love eggplants, they have such a unique flavor. Didn’t know eggplants were so hard to grow! Thanks for the tips!

[@suburbanhomestead]

They are delicious and can be hard to grow in certain areas, but I'm sure they can also grow wild in other places without certain pests.

[@IntroducingEmy]

I love eggplants but I've never had the confidence to try growing them. You've given me the push to try adding them to my garden next year!

[@sericss]

I am not a huge fan of egg plant, although I do consume it because of its nutritional value. Here on the island of Japan I have few problems growing it, other than occasional pests, it grows really well. I enjoy seeing the glimpses of your house and interior and such. I think your garden compliments your design and art style. The redone siding looks excellent in that red color. looking fw to more content

[@laurenchwastek1679]

Thank you! Have you ever thought of doing the same type of videos but maybe for interior design? Your house is so beautiful! I'd love to know how to design an interior space with beautiful art, furniture and plants as well

[@suburbanhomestead]

Maybe I'll do a tour some day.

[@darrenwalker905]

@@suburbanhomestead yes, please!

[@laurenchwastek1679]

That would be AMAZING.

[@stephonpaul4318]

I'm a recent subscriber and I have to say my good Sir, I'm enjoying your content. Keep being you and keep being creative!

[@IshaPublicSchool]

Nice and informative video. Thanks for sharing ☺️. Best wishes for you 🇮🇳

[@lorindachristine3291]

While eggplant is not my favourite, I love your videos and enjoyed watching this. I'm so glad your eggplant was worth all the effort!

[@HurairaHerbals]

I feel like i've been holding my breath for weeks, and can finally breathe when I saw you'd posted again! I actually hate eggplant. Its the only vegetable that I can't eat under any circumstances and I normally love all veggies. But... they are very beautiful, and every now and then I try to eat it... I just really can't bring myself to like it. I wonder if I've just never had it cooked properly.

[@DiggingForHealth]

Incredible video with great tips for growing eggplant and preventing pests!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Glad you liked it!

[@sacredcowbbq1326]

Just found your channel recently. My, oh my! What beautiful productions. Gardening, cooking, antiques! I'm hooked. Thanks so much.

[@TheWeedyGarden]

So many times you move the camera, refocus, shoot, move camera, refocus, shoot…repeat! I don’t wear a hat, but if I did, I’de take it off for you Siloe. Such a master. Thanks once again Mr Gentle 🎬🎥👍🙃

[@suburbanhomestead]

I appreciate David. Filming alone sure is a workout, and I’m sure the neighbors think I’m crazy.

[@TheWeedyGarden]

@@suburbanhomestead 😂🎥

[@joaniewillow]

I love how you show your attempts and the corrections you try. That certainly is gardening. I have had heavy flea beetle infestations on my potatoes in the past. I sprinkled wood ashes from a fireplace where no toxic things had been burned. It deters them like the DE and was free. Worked perfectly, just need to reapply .

[@MyGarden2Table]

Great content! A diluted oil+soap spray made with vegetable/ sesame oil that has been infused with a mixture of minced/ ground ginger, garlic and hot green Thai peppers will help repel pests in the growing season. Also, try planting some garlic close to the plant, I’ve seen this has helped my plants in the past. Good luck this season.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thanks for the tips. I'll have to keep trying new strategies.

[@avi8504]

sounds delicious! 😋

[@simpleo6531]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@TL-cm5bd]

I love eggplant. Especially long Asian eggplants because they seem to grow fastest and produce so many fruits per plant. Ping tung was my favourite and that’s all I’m growing this year. Thanks for the info!

[@claireisacamel]

I come back to these videos over and over - so relaxing to kick back and see your beautiful space and plan for next season! And those stripey eggplants are worth the bug war! Beautiful!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you see value in them.

[@amcreative3784]

Wonderful. The first time I grew eggplant it fruited seventeen eggplant. I haven't had any success since so I can relate to the frustration then joys. So beautiful with all the flowers. Something to be proud of f. Thanksfor sharing.

[@everythingduchess]

Can we get a house tour! your style and videos are everything! Like i stepped back in time!

[@MarieLagu]

Always in awe of your story telling style, narration and production. I look forward to watching all your videos. For ever grateful for your time and talent.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Wow, thank you!

[@aleenaprasannan2146]

Here in India, a native relative of eggplant called Turkeyberry often pop up as volunteers. It's a lot more resistant to a lot of diseases and pests. We graft on them and have since had great results. Also, since the essential oils did repell the beetles, I wonder if growing herbs to mask the sent against wind direction would work. We coincidentally found out that fruitflies got attracted to Tulsi and used them pretty successfully to lure them away from the gourds and passionfruit. We even used crusherd Tulsi leaves to use as lure in trap. Though a trap might not be possible for beetles maybe it could act as a deterance

[@laurenb6451]

I planted seeds of Le Barbantane and Black Beauty eggplant and they are growing along but then husband said he wanted the ones we had two years ago, Rosa Bianca. So now they’ve been bought & planted too and I expect to be sharing seedlings later. Re plastic: I have plastic flats that are over 10 years old and still looking good so I think that’s OK to do. Hahaha I have experienced woodchucks chomping away on tomatoes and eggplant and everything else as well! And deer too! As usual, fabulous video. Thank you for all your hard work. 💚

[@joannewolfe5688]

My favorite insecticide for garden plants is a bar of ivory soap. I shave off a little and dissolve the shavings in abundant amounts of warm water. Put the soap solution in a spray bottle and liberally coat leaves. If beetles are laying eggs underneath leaves, I use my hand to gently help coat all sides of the leaves with the soapy water. This will take care of most bugs. Re-coat plants after a rain. Interestingly enough, the plants seem to love the soapy water and always put on quite a growth spurt.

[@acelestialwitch8512]

Well done for being so persistent, it paid off and it was wonderful to watch along with you

[@lauragarmon6969]

Thank you for keeping it real. Your videos have a dream like quality but you make even pest control a work of art. Thank you for the great content and thanks to Jennifer Scott from the Daily Connoisseur for recommending your videos!

[@ZukiGrL1]

I've never seem such dedication and perseverance tp grow one type of plant! Great job and thank you for sharing your findings.

[@galactickim]

Thanks for the video. We moved to a .82 acre property a year ago and I tried growing a lot of things from seed this year. Many successes, and some learning. The eggplant (piccolo variety, which looks like yours) are growing prolifically in containers. This was just by fluke - we don't have any garden beds in full sun yet so I decided to grow in containers. I was so overwhelmed I didn't do any research about eggplant growing. Wonderful that they grew for me, and even more wonderful that I can refer back to your video for future reference and starting seedlings! Love your homesteady vibe, your KZbin persona, and the excellent content and quality videos. Very artistic and amusing, the shots of you moving your hat make me laugh and smile 😃 . A+++.

[@blindedbythelight862]

What a Sunday! The sun is shining, and I am treated to one of your wonderful videos. I listened with my earbuds and hopefully will be able to watch the video in a bit. I always love watching the videos.

[@suburbanhomestead]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@Tabbibrs]

I found your channel like two weeks ago and i can tell how much effort you put in your videos and i enjoy them sooooo much! Thank you!!! You're amazing!

[@Cocogatte24]

Congratulations! You have gained so many subscribers in the pass few months. Awesome 💥 Your videos have come along ways.

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

Ah, the ratatouille looked positively delish. I love eggplant parmesan too. It's one of my favorites! Thanks for the great video ✨

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you so much for stopping by, Jennifer 👍🏻

[@crystalitogallo]

I love your house and collection of things. I also like to use my “fancy” dishes on a “normal” day. I don’t wait for a special occasion because every day should be special.

[@oreettroll]

All my previous gardening years, I've always bought established plants from a nursery. This year is my first time starting them from seeds, so this new video is perfect timing. Lots of great tips in here.

[@suburbanhomestead]

I think you will like the new varieties that become available once you try growing from seed.

[@kmarshall53]

I’ve started seeds for the first time this year, too! So exciting!

[@happygarden_]

*You are a great guy my friend SUBURBAN HOMESTEAD, but more importantly a good teacher. You also came across as very genuine and willing to share all that you know. May you grow in wisdom, I wish you abundant crops, happy gardeniiiiiiiiiing!!!*

[@suburbanhomestead]

I appreciate that!

[@happygarden_]

@@suburbanhomestead You're welcome, it's been a pleasure

[@jenna4649]

Appreciate my favorite Sunday coffee treat! Waving from VA

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@awesometimes6572]

What a journey to eggplant victory! I throughly enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wroixy5011]

Siloe, I really love your videos especially the cooking part at the end!! The effort you put into your videos is just phenomal and must have taken a lot of time to produce. I just want you to know that we appreciate it a lot :>>

[@RoigRageFitness]

I always look forward to your videos coming out. Each one is a work of art. Thanks for all of the hard work.

[@suburbanhomestead]

I appreciate that!

[@kanay_norie]

House tour! House tour! House tour!!! Your house is sooo gorgeous!

[@melanieallen3655]

Love this video!!

[@gracecunningham7441]

Thank you for the recipe!!!!

[@maddisonzetterberg5548]

Another INCREDIBLE vid!

[@Artzenflowers]

Brilliant! Well done.

[@zulmarico197]

I really enjoy all of your videos!

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

I must be fortunate to not have any flea beatles near me. I'm in Florida 9b. I have one eggplant that is 1.5 yrs old and still producing. I never have to treat mine. We had eggplant parmesan for dinner which is what made me click your video. Thanks.

[@ehloe.]

Excellent video as always Siloé ☺️ I keep wishing I could consult your expertise in book or blog form as well as here on KZbin-- you're the first gardener I think of when I wonder how something could be done thoughtfully and ingeniously. (PS your plate method has made me love growing basil again)

[@irenesilva744]

As usual, worth the wait! Another work of art!

[@allisonbleb]

high-quality as always.. nice video

[@allonesame6467]

@15:51 Moth Mullein blooming across the road--Lovely! I love eggplant, too! Wonderful video of strategies and tactics to success. Bravo!

[@vmcshannon]

Yay! A new Video! Thanks Siloe. Also the recipe looks tasty!

[@poetryandpower263]

Siole, I'm a new viewer this week! So glad to see another on a plant I also love. Here in upstate SC I am so lucky not to have flea beetle issues with eggplant, knock wood. This summer after 2-3 years away from the garden while my family ushered out our rapidly aging Mama, and I lost my youngest son, I neglected my garden, taking out 7 raised beds of my 9, though the two remaining are the largest. I have been working on improving the beds' soil with worm castings, biochar, coco coir, vermiculite, mychorizzae, etc. But YOU are inspiring me to convert my sunny back lawn into a cottage type garden. So I have been inhaling your videos. I love the cinamatography.. you have such skills.. and your Bloomsbury painter persona [I'm a fan of them too, especially the sisters V. Woolf and V. Bell], but mostly I'm loving your intuitive approach to the design [with art and science thrown in as background noise] that truly respects nature, the garden as designer itself, the earth, and fellow earthlings. Thank you for sharing this about eggplant. I have had miserable failure with a few veggies you make me want to revisit.. Beets for the biggest one!!

[@suburbanhomestead]

I'm glad you found the channel and have enjoyed my ramblings and experiments. All the best

[@LandElevated]

Thank you so much for sharing such informative video 😊

[@jamesanderson5138]

Beautiful videos! They are great and I hope you never stop.

[@PlantObsessed]

Wonderful video. Thank you.

[@jessvs6124]

Beautifully made video and beautiful home!

[@katjakatt836]

thank you for the info! and your house is gorgeous :)

[@AkSonya1010]

thank you so much for showing all of your struggles and success over a two year period of time. Congratulations on your win, you bounty is beautiful and you recipe looks yummy.

[@growfresh2225]

Nice sharing 👍 😀

[@aislingchepi11]

Beautiful video!! Loved watching all the solutions being worked out. I love the opening scene with the painting in the background and you become part of the painting. Really creative! Will look up your Etsy shop.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!

[@SirtenlySurprized]

Another fantastic video! I learned quite a bit and always enjoy seeing your lovely home & garden!

[@giancolabird]

Looking forward to trying the recipe and information.

[@darrenwalker905]

Thoroughly enjoyed your garden artistry at work.

[@janetpickel8399]

Wonderful video with great information told in a stylish manner.

[@Veronica-qg8gv]

Two days ago, KZbin recommended your channel to me, and since then I have not stopped watching videos, they are all so good ☺️. Last year we planted Eggplants but they need a lot of sun and here in Germany the summers are sometimes rainy with moderate temperatures. My parents in Spain fared much better than me. Greetings 🤗.

[@cucublueberry8078]

I LOVE your videos 😍

[@deniseward002]

Gorgeous!

[@Riddlemewalker]

This is fantastic!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you!

[@TheSunRiseKid]

I had a lot of flea beetles the previous year and I made a new property now. I think I may plant a bunch of catnip and other miscellaneous herbs and maybe some marigolds around my eggplants! Great video!

[@ruthshaw1037]

That video was awesome. I commend you for your persistence and patience.

[@askmamalouise7605]

Absolutely awesome! Thanks a million!!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you so much!

[@ParqForrest]

I enjoyed this much! I was on edge watching you figure this thing out lol good work thanks for sharing

[@dwardodwardo643]

Maybe focusing on plants that do well in your environment are better but I do very much appreciate your gardening and your beautiful, beautiful documentation. Please keep sharing.

[@bowtielife]

Your videos are so well done! I never miss one and I always get excited when a new one comes out. They are special and I really sit and focus so I don't miss any part of it. Eggplant is on my list of plants to try. Maybe next year. I am saving this video to rewatch a few times! 💕

[@7bpotager8]

Your spray was a brilliant idea! Excellent video as always - love ❤️ it. Happy Spring 😊

[@PossumPityParty]

Such a lovely video. Your shots and editing are superb. Love the garden progress. It’s beautiful!

[@shortasiangirly]

Incredible work!

[@suburbanhomestead]

Thank you!

[@agreenkitchenwitch8533]

Thank you!! I’m planning on growing eggplant this summer.

[@Thorn99855]

Ah. I see you discovered the idea of the decoy eggplant. Well done!

[@leilassou]

Just found your channel. I'm impressed. I'm in a zone 6b and I'll be planting eggplants next season. Congrats!

[@pateicialane4740]

Just found your Chanel love it and your gardening and your house is fab ♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England

[@angelah.9144]

I love everything about your environment, your style and your gardening adventures!

[@andrewsolis3349]

Love your videos Siloe, and being a fellow Marylander, we love all the local tips. It’s our first year gardening and you’ve been an inspiration!

[@rosea830]

I love the how you tell your stories! I have a patio table, it's 30ish inches high, and that seems to be too high for the flea beetles. I plant my eggplant directly in grow bags on the patio as soon as it's warm so the beetles don't even know they exist. I still have to worry about ants and their farming endeavors, but that's easier to deal with than skeletonized plants. Last year, I planted the largest plants from the table in the ground in late July/ early August, when the beetle pressure started die back.

[@byreneeclark]

I'm a fairly new subscriber, and wanted to make sure to tell you that your channel is one of my favorites. I appreciate the creativity and effort that you put into creating excellent, educational content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill with the world.

[@pascalxus]

I love all your videos so much. There's a unique quality to them, not present on any of the other gardening channels. I hope your channels gets the success it deserves!

[@RESMITHcarpentry]

excited to watch this, there's two started in the greenhouse which have blooms .

[@nenengpinay1]

You are so creative and artistic how you shared your experience in gardening 😍

[@carolinafaber9772]

Great tips , Thnx this is the Netherlands💐🌺🌷🌸