Allotments 4 All

Sorry to say this again - but memories are short.
Three references I have say 'Pinch out tip at 12" - remove all flowers beyond 5 fruit'.

I have never pinched out. Whatever variety. Ours (the first 4) are in 1/2 bags indoors. They are currently 34" above soil X 27" spread. Since 8/7 they have produced 79 fruit - including today's bunch below. & there are still flowers on them.

So....? = Tim

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Do you hand pollinate? I've had loads of flowers, but no fruits.

So many folk say that - can't figure why.
No - too much bending for this old chap. Even if necessary. And neither for toms or cus. = Tim

So what's your secret then? I love aubs and have never eaten a home grown one.  :'(

Sorry, just to clarrify; you had 79 aubergines from 4 plants??? So far.  I have 1 so far from 7 plants and I was feeling rather smug... off to sulk.  Please tell us your secrets of sucess???

Bl**dy hell Tim!  That is a lot of aubergine!!  I have 2 plants that are currently in flower, and 2 that are just thinking about it. My 2 in flower currently have 6 aubs each in various stages of development and are still covered in flowers and buds.  I haven't had to hand pollinate at all!  This is the first successful year for me with aubergines, they normally struggle like mad!  I was thinking about buying plants in next year as mine were so slow to start, but now they are going strong, I think I will grow my own again.  Mine are fed and watered the same as my toms and chillies, all happily living together in my greenhouse.

No secrets - no brag - just dragging up some old teaching points. Pictures help?
And, yes - we have 2 of another sort - only just in flower, & 2 not yet in flower. So? We'll report back later!  Meanwhile, checking back on Mamta's pickle, & aub mash, & potato & aub curry. = Tim

We have lift-off on the 2nd batch - sown 3 April. = Tim

I'm trying to not get too excited about this but I have a little aubergine!

Well done Tim.
I have grow any this year,because I'm on my first year of the allotment. I been growing a lot of Chinese veg. I find it easy to grow and shorter time to ready to eat. I'm on my 3rd sowing of Pak Choi.Choi Sum & Kai Choi. I don't know how to put pictures on board to show you all.

Yuet

Yuet - your seeds are in the post. = Tim

Hi Tim,
Do I still have time to sow them,it is not too late? Shall I wait till next year. Thank you.

Read your letter.

Wait! = Tim

I tried Aubergines (Bonica) for the first time this year, but put them in the back garden so that I could mollycoddle them. Quite a few fruits, but the flipping slugs made tunnels right through them when I was on holiday!! :o :o
Next year they take their chances at the lottie with the rest !! (No slugs there, too many frogs and birds).

:-\ :-\ :-\

Tina.

Or try a good smear of Vaseline around the rim of the container? Saved a huge hosta of ours this year. = Tim

My Wife told me to smear vaseline around the rim of our big Hostas, I did and forgot about it until I tried moving 'em, twas like grabbing a soapy woman in a bath tub. :o

Roy ;D

You may well blink. On a Sunday morning too!! = Tim

Hi Tina-have picked a large `Bonica` from the garden this morning. Very impressed with the variety.

Stephan

Have just thrown away my black aubergines in the greenhouse.most dissapointing year I have ever had with them :'( Think they got spider mites early on and never recovered. But my white ones still look promising! ;D

Glad to know some of you have had success!!

Frankly, being beginners, we would have been happy to just have the odd crop, but with the success of our tomatoes, onions and spuds, we have put the Aubs down to experience this year, and been chuffed to bits with everything else!!! Will definitely be trying vaseline next year though. At the moment, hubby is on a mission to go out every night with the salt and massacre the slugs!!

Tina.