A select few peppers, tomatoes and eggplants are usually coming up late summer. An Italian heirloom bean, Listada de Ganda which recently caught its first harvest this season, is an intriguing beauty which differs greatly from the common black-and-white eggplants we grow here in the U.S.A. Growing the former demands a bit more care than planting the latter, specifically in regards to soil fertility. For those who are growing the bean for the sole purpose of eating, there is really no need to worry. However, for those who plan on harvesting the vegetable for cooking, following these guidelines may be beneficial.
The very first thing you have to do is to prepare the soil properly for your crop rotation plants. For example, it will do best to layer the bed. The depth should be no less than four to six inches deep, depending on the bean’s mature size. In addition, add two to three inches of top soil to the same depth. If you are planning on planting the plant in pots, you will also want to add a depth of at least six inches in order to maximize the bean’s overall potential for harvesting. Be sure to allow approximately one inch of ground for drainage before introducing the new crop.
As far as pests are concerned, there is really not much to worry about with an indoor garden bean like this. While other annuals and drought tolerant vegetables may become susceptible to spider mites, the eggplants themselves are pretty hardy and don’t seem to be bothered by the tiny pests. Still, it is important to remove any damaged leaves or stems of the plant immediately before planting if you plan on giving your home gardeners some much needed protection against these bothersome pests.
Because black seedless bean plants are so hardy and self-protective, you will find that they grow very well in most conditions, from heavy drought to flood to sunny, dry conditions. They will also do very well as perennial seeds, although they do tend to be less prolific than their perennial cousins. Planting them one year and then harvesting them each year will allow you to get the full yield from each growing season. Keep in mind that you will need to change the soil once again after each harvest, but this should not prove problematic.
Because tomato and bean gardening allows for small, frequent harvests, you can save money while you buy organic vegetables in the fresh produce section of your local grocery store. Black eggplants are especially attractive to vegetable shoppers, but any garden pest will certainly have a difficult time targeting this plant. Tomato and bean pests will be deterred by the thick, heavy leaves of the plant, which are virtually indestructible. That said, however, the plant itself is not invulnerable, and it can become sick if the appropriate conditions for a disease set in. It is important, therefore, to be sure that you and every member of your household to stay on top of garden maintenance and the health of your vegetables.
There are several ways to fertilize your plantings, and black eggplants are likely to do very well with manure that contains a natural herbicide. You will also want to apply a slow-release fertilizer after each growing season, as the soil will become slightly worn down. Keep in mind that the black variety of eggplants, due to their thick foliage, need additional moisture in the summertime. So, keep mulching around the base of your trees and peat pots as you do your regular garden maintenance, and you should be able to avoid serious problems and weed infestations without much effort.
To help keep the soil in your garden healthy, it will be necessary to give it the right amounts of organic matter and nitrogen. Adding compost to the soil will help keep it moist, while the use of a compost accelerator can help increase the fertility of a new layer of organic matter in the soil. It will also help keep weeds from growing. Another thing that you can do is to add some fish emulsion to your soil, which will not only make it slightly more alkaline, but it can help prevent the growth of certain types of disease in your plants. Some commercial fertilizers, like nitrogen-free or phosphate-free fertilizers, can also be beneficial in the long run.
Black eggplants are a great vegetable for home gardeners because they grow very well and produce a large yield. When properly cared for, they can be quite prolific in growing and harvesting your produce. They don’t require too much attention, and they don’t seem to have any undesirable traits that would make them undesirable for home gardeners. If you grow them correctly, they will provide you with fruits and vegetables that are delicious and full of flavor. The secret, however, is in how well you take care of them and how strictly you follow the growing instructions for growing them.