"Balcony Vegetable Gardening Video: Eggplants"
Creating a mini vegetable garden amidst the urban concrete jungle, growing eggplants on the balcony is becoming a new trend. This purple fruit is not only rich in anthocyanins and vitamin P but also provides a zero-distance fresh experience from the balcony to the dining table. This article combines practical video tutorials to guide you step by step through the entire process of growing potted eggplants.
Complete Guide to Growing Eggplants on the Balcony
Variety Selection and Preparation
It is recommended to choose dwarf varieties such as 'Black Pearl' and 'Purple Dragon No. 7', with plant heights controlled between 60-80cm. Round purple eggplants are suitable for cold dishes, while long varieties are better for braising. The depth of the planting box should be >30cm, with a 5cm layer of ceramsite at the bottom to enhance drainage.
Four-Step Planting Method Explained
1. Substrate preparation: Mix decomposed leaf soil, earthworm dung, and perlite in a ratio of 5:3:2. 2. Seed sowing: Soak seeds for 8 hours in March and then sow with 0.5cm of soil covering. 3. Transplanting: When there are 4-5 true leaves, transplant with soil around the roots, spaced 40cm apart. 4. Support system: Use a triangular support structure to stabilize the main stem during the fruiting period.
Key Points for Precise Maintenance
Ensure 5 hours of direct sunlight daily, and use a sunshade net for protection at high temperatures of 35°C. Use the 'dry-wet' watering method and apply seaweed fertilizer every week during the fruiting period. Remove old leaves at the base promptly to maintain ventilation and light.
Disease and Pest Control Solutions
Use chili and garlic water spray to control red spiders, and use matrine biological agents for tea yellow mites. Rotate the flowerpot regularly to ensure even sunlight exposure, and sprinkle wood ash during the rainy season to prevent (T-J) disease.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
When the fruit skin shows the characteristic luster of the variety, harvest with a 1cm stem remaining using a garden shear. For short-term storage, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate. For long-term storage, cut into strips and dry to make dried eggplants.
Mastering these secrets of growing eggplants on the balcony can not only bring the joy of gardening but also provide safe food ingredients. Combined with dynamic video tutorials, even beginners can grow healthy eggplants full of fruit. Start building your private vegetable garden now!