How to grow juicy eggplants in containers — even when the summer heat is blazing!
Eggplant, aubergine, brinjal—whatever you call it, this glossy purple veggie is a superstar in Filipino kitchens. Whether it’s fried in crispy tortang talong, grilled for inihaw, or sautéed in pinakbet, eggplant is a versatile and delicious staple.
But here’s something better: you don’t have to buy it. You can grow it — yes, even in summer and even in containers.
If you’re worried about the heat, don’t fret. I’ve had my fair share of trial-and-error with eggplants, especially in our tropical climate. But once I cracked the code, talong became one of the most reliable veggies in my garden. Today, I’m sharing my no-fail tips to help you grow your eggplants at home — even under the blazing summer sun!
🪴 Container Size: Give It Room to Grow
Eggplants love space. For container gardening, use at least a 5-gallon pot—anything smaller will stunt their growth. In the Philippines, eggplants can thrive for up to three years since they grow as perennials in our climate.
Make sure your pot has proper drainage, and skip the garden soil. Instead, use a high-quality soilless potting mix — it stays loose and airy, keeping those roots happy. Compacted soil = stressed plant = sad harvest.
📅 Best Time to Plant
While eggplants are hardy, they’re still sensitive to extreme heat. The Philippine summer can be especially brutal, with temperatures soaring past 40°C. Flowers may fall off if planted at the wrong time and leaves turn yellow or brown.
🌱 Pro tip: Start your seeds in the late dry season (March to early May) to settle in before the scorching heat peaks. If you’re planting in peak summer, provide shade in the afternoons to reduce plant stress.
☀️ Let There Be Light — But Not Too Much
Eggplants thrive on at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. But during hot Philippine summers, more isn’t always better. Intense heat can cause leaf burn and premature fruit ripening.
Give them morning sun and light afternoon shade using shade cloths or recycled materials like old curtains or banig. Your eggplants will thank you with bigger, healthier fruits.
🧑🍳 Feeding Time: What Eggplants Love to Eat
Eggplants are hungry growers. To keep them productive, feed at least twice a month, especially once they bear fruit.
I recommend:
- Banana peels (for phosphorus)
- Crushed eggshells (for calcium)
- Vermicast or worm castings for well-rounded nutrition
Apply compost as a top dressing or mix it into your potting mix for slow-release goodness.
💦 Water Wisely
Summer sun means thirsty plants. Water deeply at least twice a week and even more frequently if you notice the soil drying fast. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
You’ll know your eggplant needs a drink if the leaves begin to droop. However, be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a foul smell from the soil. Water early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation.
✂️ Pruning for Productivity
Pruning isn’t just for aesthetics — it helps your plant focus energy on flowering and fruiting. Keep only 3–4 main branches and remove the rest.
Once you harvest, the plant may slow down. That’s normal. To rejuvenate:
- Trim all leaves and leave only 2–3 strong stems.
- Add fresh compost or vermicast.
- Wait for new shoots to emerge — then enjoy round two!
💜 Final Thoughts: Grow What You Love to Eat
Growing eggplants in the summer may sound challenging, but with the proper techniques — and lots of love — it’s not just doable, it’s gratifying. There’s a unique joy in harvesting fresh talong from your balcony or backyard and turning it into a family meal. It’s a connection to your food that’s hard to beat.
So don’t be afraid of the heat — embrace it with the right tools, timing, and tender care. Your garden (and dinner plate) will be full of rich, glossy eggplants all summer.
Do you have an eggplant-growing story or questions? Your experiences and questions are valuable to our community. Tag me @UrbanGardeningMom. I’d love to hear how your talong journey is going!
