When to plant Aubergines in Sheffield

Sow seeds in a heated propagator from 12th February to 26th 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 5th March - 2nd 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 19th March - 23rd April. Move each plant into a larger pot with fresh compost and keep watering lightly but regularly.

Gradually acclimatise plants over 15 days from 30th April to 14th 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 14th May - 21st 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 28th 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 28th 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 12th 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.