'Pinstripe' Aubergine Plants

Our vegetable plug plants are bred for good pest and disease resistance, but may still be susceptible to common problems. The most common aubergine pest is the flea beetle. These create small little holes in the leaves which, if left unchecked, can cause significant damage to the plant.To prevent flea beetles attacking your plant you can cover them in a horticultural fleece, especially while they are still young. When the plant blooms, however, you will have to remove the fleece to allow pollinating insects to ripen the fruit. You can also plant them on a raised table or on your patio as the flea beetles will be deterred from having to travel so far.

Aubergines need to be regularly watered and the soil kept consistently moist. On hot days this will require watering the plant every day. If the moisture level in the soil fluctuates too much, this can cause the fruit to grow poorly and also taste bad too. If you are unsure, simply touch the soil, if it is dry to the touch then you need to give it some water.

Aubergine plants need full sun. Position them where they will get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.

Aubergines need fertile, well-draining soil. It is always a good idea to work in a decent amount of organic matter such as compost into your garden soil until it has a crumbly texture. If your soil is very sandy or clay heavy then you should use a mix of three parts quality compost and one part garden top soil.

Aubergines are particularly hungry plants which benefit from a high-potash feed every two weeks. Feed your plants when the flowers start to bloom - a good feed would be something such as organic liquid tomato feed or chicken manure pellets. Potash, or potassium, is one of the three main elements in fertilisers along with nitrogen and phosphorus. Potash stimulates growth in the fruits and vegetables and so typically gardeners apply it as the plant begins to develop them.