When to plant Aubergines in Durham

Sow seeds in a heated propagator from 1st March to 15th March. Keep them at 21–24 °C and sow to a depth of 0.5 cm in fine seed compost.

When the seedlings have their first true leaves, move them into small pots around 22nd March - 19th April. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them warm and bright so they don't draw.

Pot on as roots fill the first container, usually around 5th April - 10th May. Move each plant into a larger pot with fresh compost and keep watering lightly but regularly.

Gradually acclimatise plants over 15 days from 17th May to 31st May. Move them to a cooler, bright spot such as a cold frame or unheated greenhouse for longer periods each day, and protect them from cold nights until they are used to the lower temperatures.

Plant into a greenhouse border, growing bag or large pot around 31st May - 7th June, once nights stay above 12 °C. Space plants 60 cm apart in a bed, water them in and add a sturdy cane.

Tie the main stem to a cane from 14th June. When the plant reaches 30 cm, pinch out the main growing tip to encourage side-shoots. Tie in heavy fruiting stems as they develop.

Start feeding from 14th June and continue to 16th October. Use a high-potash tomato feed every 14 days once the first flowers appear, and keep the compost evenly moist so fruit sets properly.

Pick fruit from 29th August to 16th October while the skins are glossy and before the seeds harden. Cut them with a small stalk attached, and keep picking regularly to encourage more fruit.