Growing Organic Brinjals - A Step by Step Guide

February 2023

Organic brinjals are a healthy and delicious addition to any garden. Growing them organically is good for the environment and ensures that you get the best-tasting and most nutritious produce possible..

Here is a step-by-step guide to growing organic brinjals in your backyard:

1. Best time and location to plant Brinjals

Eggplant, also known as brinjal, is a popular vegetable in many parts of the world. It is a warm-season crop that requires plenty of sunshine and heat to produce good yields. When and where you grow eggplant can make a big difference in the success of your crop.

The best time to plant eggplant is in late spring or early summer when the soil is warm, and all danger of frost has passed. Eggplant prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

2. Watering

Watering is an important part of growing organic brinjals. Brinjals require regular and consistent watering to ensure healthy growth and development. It is important to water the plants deeply but not too frequently. Too much or too little water can cause the plant to become stressed, resulting in poor growth and fruit production.

When watering your brinjal plants, it is best to water them in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry out before nightfall.

3. Mulching

Mulching is an important step in growing organic brinjals. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil from erosion. It also helps to keep the soil temperature consistent and can even help to improve the soil structure.

When mulching your brinjal plants, it’s important to use a material that is organic and free of chemicals. Compost, straw, grass clippings, and shredded leaves are all good choices.

4. Fertilizing

Organic brinjals require regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and development. It is best to use an organic fertilizer that is specifically formulated for vegetables. Organic fertilizers are usually made from natural sources such as compost or manure and provide essential nutrients to the soil.

5. Companion Plants with brinjal

One of the best companion plants for brinjal is marigolds. Marigolds are known for their ability to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. Other good companion plants include basil, oregano, and parsley.

6. Common Pests and Diseases for Brinjal

Brinjal, also known as eggplant, is a popular vegetable that can be grown organically. However, like any other crop, it is susceptible to pests and diseases. Knowing how to identify and manage these issues is essential for successful organic brinjal production.

The most common pests of brinjal are aphids, whiteflies, mites, thrips, and beetles. Diseases such as bacterial wilt, verticillium wilt, and fusarium wilt can also affect brinjal plants.

7. Harvesting

When the fruits of your brinjal plants are ripe, it’s time to harvest them. Brinjals should be harvested when they are firm and glossy. It is best to use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruits from the plant.

Once harvested, brinjals can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.

8. Saving Brinjal Seeds

Saving brinjal seeds is an important part of growing organic brinjals. By saving your own seeds, you can ensure that the plants you grow are well-adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on buying new seeds each year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to saving brinjal seeds:

Select the best fruits from your brinjal plants for seed saving. Choose fruits that are firm and glossy, and have no signs of disease or damage.
Cut the fruit open and scoop out the seeds. Place them in a bowl of water and let them soak overnight.
The next day, strain out any floating debris or damaged seeds.
Spread the seeds out on a paper towel and let them dry for several days.
Once the seeds are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to plant them next season.