How often to water eggplant in a greenhouse?
Each vegetable crop has its own agricultural technology. One of the key components of care is watering. Sufficient water and regular hydration is necessary for full development. In the article we will tell you how to properly water eggplants in a greenhouse built of polycarbonate.
Introduction
Some vegetable crops grown in the country actively bear fruit in a warm and fairly humid climate. Among them are eggplants. It is very difficult to achieve a rich harvest in the northern regions of the country, as well as in the middle lane. Changeable weather conditions, cold snaps, short summers and daylight hours - all this negatively affects the development and fruiting of the plant.
To protect the flora from the vagaries of bad weather and harvest a rich harvest, vegetable growers protect fruit crops with the help of buildings made of durable and lightweight material - polycarbonate. On the basis of hotbeds and greenhouses, you can create optimal conditions, regardless of the weather outside the window. In an artificially created microclimate, you need to know how often to water vegetables.
Plant characteristic
Before talking about the features of irrigation, it is necessary to characterize this vegetable crop. Residents of the southern regions call this plant "blue". Fruits have not only a wonderful taste, but also a number of useful trace elements.Few people know that the well-known vegetable from the nightshade family is of tropical origin. For this reason, the plant does not tolerate the climate of the northern country.
Eggplants need careful care. To obtain a rich and stable harvest, it is necessary to adhere to strict agricultural practices in the process of planting and growing. The culture is very similar to sweet pepper in terms of cultivation.
These are light-loving plants, so cloudy weather and lack of sunlight adversely affect the development of the plant and the quality of the fruit. Vegetables can ripen for a long time and have small sizes.
Also, vegetable crops need abundant watering. Sufficiently moist soil is a prerequisite for growth and harvest. With a lack of water, the growth process slows down significantly, the number of inflorescences decreases, and the size of the fruit leaves much to be desired.
First watering eggplant
For the first time, pre-prepared beds intended for planting seedlings are watered with water. Remember that during this period the plants are still small and do not require a large amount of moisture.
The main thing is to follow a certain order in this process.
- Watering the land is carried out with a watering can. 5 liters of water are used per square meter of the plot. The liquid must be completely absorbed into the soil.
- With the help of improvised means, shallow pits are prepared for seedlings. Use shovels, cuttings and other tools.
- One seedling per hole. When planting, pinch off 1/3 of the lower part of the root.
- The soil around the plants must be carefully compacted.
- The earth is mulched. For this, peat is used, as well as crushed tree bark.
- Plants are watered with warm water a second time, in the late afternoon. The volume of water is the same.
- Further watering is carried out once a week.In the hot season, if necessary, the volume of water and the frequency of irrigation can be increased.
Bloom
If the plant began to bloom, it is time for special care. During this period, the culture needs not only watering, but also feeding. For fertilizer, various compositions of chemical and organic origin are used. Products must be alternated and combined with watering.
Once every 7 days, it is necessary to fertilize the plants according to the following scheme:
- the site is moistened using 5 liters of warm water per square meter of plantings;
- when the earth completely absorbs the liquid, it is necessary to irrigate with a feeding composition, in the same amount;
- at the end of work, you need to slightly loosen the ground or mulch;
- when using dry fertilizer formulations of organic origin, increase the volume of water to 15 liters.
Fruiting
Every experienced summer resident knows that the appearance of ovaries is a signal to increase the frequency of watering the plant. During this period, moisture plays a particularly important role in the formation of the future fetus. Abundant watering is necessary for the plant for a rich harvest.
During the fruiting period, eggplant should be watered 2 times a week. A maximum of 3 liters of liquid is used per shrub, which is 15 liters of water per square meter of plantings.
As soon as the vegetables begin to ripen, it is necessary to cut the amount of top dressing. Feeding should be completely stopped two weeks before harvest.
Rich Harvest Rules
Growing eggplants in certain regions of the country is very problematic, but with due diligence, you can achieve excellent results.
Experienced experts share recommendations that will help you get a rich harvest of tasty and healthy vegetables.
- The first rule is to carefully choose seedlings.There are many different varieties with certain characteristics. Take the time to compare the pros and cons of each species to make the right choice, given the local climate.
- Monitor the condition of the greenhouse or greenhouse. There should be no drafts inside the building. Be sure to install additional light sources. In regions with severe winters, heating is indispensable.
- Do not overdo it with watering and fertilizing. An excess of moisture and nutrients will adversely affect the condition of the plant.
- Do not experiment with fertilizer formulations. Use only the recipes carried out or purchase ready-made solutions, presented in abundance by stores.
- Inspect plants for signs of disease. If small defects are found, take appropriate measures.
Helpful Hints
Specialists from the field of agricultural technology pay special attention to the problem of watering whimsical vegetable crops in greenhouse conditions.
Despite the fact that summer residents adhere to a strict soil moistening scheme, there is a list of factors that affect the frequency of watering:
- climatic conditions within a particular region;
- plant variety;
- eggplant age;
- soil acidity and composition.
It is necessary to maintain a golden mean. Excess moisture will lead to rotting of the root system and the death of your plant. A deficiency will cause a poor harvest. The soil in which eggplant grows should always be moderately moist.
The plant has heavy pollen. Due to this, it is difficult for the vegetable to pollinate on its own in conditions of high humidity. Some vegetable growers advise specifically shaking the plant during flowering or spreading pollen using a brush.
Mulching Features
Mulch is necessary to maintain optimal soil moisture. An additional layer will prevent drying out, as well as the formation of a crust on the surface. It is necessary to carry out mulching 10-12 hours later after moistening the soil.
There are many varieties of mulch. Each gardener chooses the best option, however, experts recommend using the following materials: sawdust, mowed grass, straw, pine needles, newspapers. Finding these components is not difficult.
The soil in greenhouses and greenhouses needs additional feeding before laying the mulch. Peat and humus are added to it. Experienced summer residents advise changing the soil every 3 years to achieve maximum fruiting.
For information on how to grow eggplant in a greenhouse, see the video below.