When to plant Aubergines in Manchester

Sow seeds in a heated propagator from 6th February to 20th 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 27th February - 27th March. 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 13th March - 17th April. Move each plant into a larger pot with fresh compost and keep watering lightly but regularly.

Gradually acclimatise plants over 15 days from 24th April to 8th 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 8th May - 15th May, 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 22nd May. 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 22nd May and continue to 8th 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 6th August to 8th 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.