Growing eggplants in pots can help you control a few of the environmental issues that might otherwise result in making mistakes. Increased mobility helps you relocate plants (say, between patios and indoor spaces such as greenhouses) where light and warmth might cause problems, or where chills or harsh weather are likely. The trick to successful container gardening with eggplants is to keep compost moist and to ensure taller varieties are supported with stakes. Adequate drainage is vital, as these plants detest soggy roots (terracotta pots and growbags are good for drainage). And don’t forget to add a diluted liquid feed.
Above all, if you want to steer clear of eggplant growing mistakes in pots, keep potting on plants so they don’t get starved of nutrients. Eggplant root systems can quickly outgrow their confines. However, it’s best to increase pot size incrementally, rather than trying to jump a few sizes bigger. Far from buying you time, this can overwhelm a plant. As Anne explains, the secret is to move young plants promptly and by stages to bigger pots. ‘They need to reach a large size by midsummer so they have plenty of energy to flower, set fruit and ripen,’ says Anne.