Rehoboth

  Harvest 65 to 80 days after transplanting , depending on the variety . The skin of the fruit is shiny and unwrinkled and a uniform color when it is ready for harvest As soon as the skin does not rebound to gentle pressure from your finger , it’s ripe. Japanese eggplant may be ready to harvest when the size of a finger or hot dog Cut the fruit with a sharp knife or pruning shears close to the stem, leaving about an inch of it attached. Once ready , eggplants are harvested at least once per week, preferably twice a week.

  Flea Beetles is the most common pest , but a healthy eggplant will be able to withstand damage . Grow plants under row covers until they are large enough to tolerate leaf damage.   Powdery Mildew can affect eggplant. This appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves which may turn yellow and die. Planting resistant varieties when available, planting in full sun , and provide good air circulation .  Tomato Hornworms are sometimes an issue as are potato beetles , lace bugs, and  mites . If the flowers on your eggplants form but then fall off , or if fruit does not develop these are symptoms of pests in the plants Most pests and diseases can be controlled organically with Insecticidal soap and Neem oil mix spray . Home Gardening Ideas