Sad, isn't it?

[tim]

The end of the season.

That's all the aubs - shame, when there are still lots of flowers!
Next will be the peppers & then the toms.

Because ? Botrytis is starting to spread rapidly.

[tim]

[BAGGY]

Oh to just have one aub (big sigh).  Is there and idiot proof one that you could recommend for next years attempt Oh-Great-Aubergine-King Tim ?

[tim]

In or out?

[BAGGY]

Out please

[tim]

No expert. But we grew Macchiaw (the long purple one) outside, protected by 4 'Dutch Lights', 650' up in the Cotswolds. 20 per plant. But no longer available. So the nearest is Thai Long Green? - Vida Verde - which, in the cold 'house, gave us 77 from 4 plants this year. We also grew Simpson's Seeds' Orient Express last year - indoors - & got 33 per plant. Pics on the blog. Check with SS that they are their best for outside. They also do 'Slim Jim' which did well for us.

We were too late this year - & for peppers - sowed 26/3 - put out 26/5.

In Kent, you should be laughing!!

PS - forgot to say that Vida Verde say 'if you only have one, go for de Barbentane'. But it only gave us 10 per plant this year.

[Doris_Pinks]

Tim, what regime do you follow with your Aubs to get so many!!  Whilst I got the most off I ever had this year, mine are no where near your production, just wondering what I am doing wrong?!   DP

[tim]

Don't know!

Early start is important. I often fail! The best I've achieved is sown (propagator of course) 8/2: germ 15/2: potted up 18/3: grown on with bottom heat: planted cold 'house 22/4: first fruit 21/7. At which time there were still frosts. It is sensible to cover the plants with double fleece at night. I never get around to it!

I feed at every watering after fruit set - at much the rate given in 'Watering' earlier.

This is what they look like now - fighting with the peppers on the right. They are 4' tall. They'll come out tomorrow!!

[Doris_Pinks]

Thank you for that Tim, maybe the feeding is my downfall, mine only get a feed once a week, if they are lucky!
Next year I shall endeavour to do a daily feed :)  thanks again   DP

[tim]

I should have said dilute feed - the 'norm' for such as yourself would be weekly, with full strength.

[BAGGY]

Thanks Tim.  Maybe I'll be lucky next year ?  (then I can try to succeed with peas)

[Doris_Pinks]

I have given up on peas Baggy! :-\  But thanks to Tim, our Aubs will be magnificent! ;D