Eggplant are part of the nightshade family of plants, which also includes tomatoes, peppers and potatoes. Just like tomatoes, eggplant are not a vegetable but actually a fruit. They have very attractive purple flowers and make a great ornament plant for the vegetable garden. Eggplant is a heat loving tropical perennial but is grown as an annual in temperate climates. There are many different varieties of eggplant with different colors, shapes, and sizes. Besides being delicious, eggplant is low in calories, a good source of fiber, and high in antioxidants. This is a fairly easy plant to grow in the vegetable garden, you should try growing eggplant in your garden.

We start eggplant seeds indoors here in New England, 6 - 8 weeks before last frost. Plant 1/4" seed (6mm) deep. They will germinate in about a week provided the temperature is at least 75 degrees F (24C).  Always harden off before transplanting outdoors. When preparing the garden for eggplant, add well aged manure and compost. Plants should be space 18" (45cm) apart in full sun. Eggplant enjoy consistent, heavy watering to produce large quality fruit.

 For more on growing eggplant in the vegetable garden check out this video on How to grow Eggplants - Complete Growing Guide.

Cornell University has some helpful tips on growing eggplant, also MSU Extension has some good advice for caring for eggplant in the vegetable garden.