Adjust according to soil type, previous management, and soil test results for your state. See p. 2 for fertilizer type suggestions. If the transplant flat receives a heavy fertilizer feeding just prior to setting, the starter solution can be eliminated. N per acre to either side of the row when flowers appear. K. If following soybeans or a legume sod, the sidedressing is not needed if rainfall is normal.
Eggplants are very responsive to the use of plastic mulches in the Midwest.
Black plastic is recommended because no herbicides are available for use with clear plastic. Diseases Controlled Treatment Comments Verticillium wilt Avoid fields with a history of Verticillium wilt. Rotate with small grains where possible. Use of long rotations out of solanaceous crops will prevent rapid increase of pathogen populations. Allow at least 30 days between application of fumigant and transplanting.