342 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



fruits will ripen considerably earlier than if the plants 

 are kept in flats or beds until planting time. More or 

 less hardening before planting in the field is an advan- 

 tage. About 120 to i6o days are required to produce a 

 crop of eggplant. 



455. Soil preparation. — Manure may be applied heavily 

 for an early crop, like lettuce or radishes, to be followed 

 by eggplants. While this vegetable will stand consid- 

 erable drouth, there should be no lack of soil moisture 

 if large fruits are desired. Early plowing and frequent 

 harrowing are essential to secure proper conditions for 

 planting. 



456. Fertilizing. — Early growth and strong foliage are 

 important. To accomplish these ends nitrogen must be 

 supplied in quickly available forms. The organic sources 

 are also important to meet the later demands of the 

 plants. Before transplanting, the soil should receive 

 not less than half a ton of a high-grade mixture, and 

 just as soon as the plants are established a top-dressing 

 of nitrate. The latter application should be repeated 

 once or twice if necessary, to encourage vigorous growth. 

 Thoroughly decayed stable manure can often be used to 

 good advantage. Some growers apply it in the hill 

 before setting the plants, but this is unnecessary in 

 warm, rich soils. 



457. Planting. — Eggplants should never be set in the 

 field until the ground is thoroughly warm. Many grow- 

 ers plant 3x4 feet apart, others 4x4 and some 2x3 feet. 

 The vigor of the variety, climatic adaptability and the 

 fertility of the soil are the main factors to consider when 

 deciding upon distances. Four by 4 feet is not too much 

 space when all conditions are advantageous. 



458. Cultivation. — The cultivation of the crop is a sim- 

 ple matter. Moisture conservation is important. 



459. Marketing. — As the market demands rather large 

 fruits, eggplants are not usually picked until full grown. 



