When to plant Aubergines in Oxford

Sow seeds in a heated propagator from 13th February to 27th 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 March - 3rd 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 20th March - 24th April. 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. 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 15th May - 22nd 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 29th 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 29th May and continue to 29th 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 13th August to 29th 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.