How often should I water eggplants?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Watering eggplants is an exercise in precision, in two words! The fundamental rule: 1 to 1.5 inches (of water) every week, utilizing drip irrigation. My garden, with its clay soil, needs watering every 5 days; my sandy area needs watering every 3 days. Watering container plants? Check the soil daily because they dry out 3 times faster than ground soil.
Container Plants
- Check: Insert finger 2 inches daily
- Signs: Wilting at noon = urgent need
- Solution: Self-watering pots with reservoirs
- Caution: Avoid saucers trapping water
Soil Types
- Clay: Water every 5-7 days
- Loam: Every 4-5 days ideal
- Sandy: Every 2-3 days critical
- Test: Squeeze soil - it should crumble
Excess water kills more plants than drought. Yellow lower leaves and stunted growth are indicators of too much water as well. Last season I lost 4 plants due to root rot because I did not use moisture meters. I now water when the moisture meter reads 30% at the root depth.
Drought recovery calls for a delicate touch. Allow plants to rehydrate over 48 hours. I use 1/2 gallon per plant per hour for six hours. Shade cloth greatly reduces drought recovery stress. Remove 50% of their fruits to redirect energy. If you saved your plant in the first 48 hours, you could see new growth in ten days.
Mulch can cut down watering needs by 40%. For instance, my straw-mulched beds remained moist for two days longer than bare soil. Apply 3 inches around plants, however, keep it AT LEAST 6 inches away from stems. Plastic mulch heats soil but must have drip lines under the mulch.
Read the full article: How to Grow Eggplant: Pro Tips for Big Harvests
