Aubergines in West Byfleet

Sow seeds in a heated propagator from 19th November to 19th January. 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 2nd January - 16th January. 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 23rd January - 13th February. Move each plant into a larger pot with fresh compost and keep watering lightly but regularly.

Gradually acclimatise plants over 15 days from 27th March to 10th April. Put them out in the day and bring them back under cover at night until they are used to cooler conditions.

Plant out from 10th April to 17th April 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 27th April, 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 27th April and continue to 12th 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 22nd June to 12th 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.