Aubergines in Gainsborough

Sow seeds in a heated propagator from 24th December to 23rd February. 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 6th February - 20th February. 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 27th February - 20th March. Move each plant into a larger pot with fresh compost and keep watering lightly but regularly.

Gradually acclimatise plants over 15 days from 1st May to 15th May. Put them out in the day and bring them back under cover at night until they are used to cooler conditions.

Plant out from 15th May to 22nd May once frost has passed and the soil is warm. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then use fleece or a cloche if nights are still cool.

From 1st June, tie main stems to a cane and remove side shoots below the first flower truss if growth is crowded. Pinch out the main growing tip after 4-6 trusses have set, so the plant puts energy into ripening fruit.

Start feeding from 1st June and continue to 1st November. 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 27th July to 1st November 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.