Eggplant Pizza Slices

Eggplant

• Plant eggplant in a location with full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-draining, fertile soil.
• Ensure consistent watering, especially during flowering and fruit development, to prevent stress and improve yield.
• Provide support like stakes or cages for the plants to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Basil

• Grow basil in a warm, sunny spot; it thrives in temperatures above 18°C (65°F).
• Pinch off the top set of leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth.
• Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Inspect eggplant and basil regularly for aphids and spider mites, washing them off with a strong spray of water.

• Use yellow sticky traps near eggplant to monitor and catch flying pests like whiteflies and thrips.

• Plant nasturtiums near eggplant as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from your main plants.

• Apply insecticidal soap to affected plants in the evening to control soft-bodied pests.

Eggplant

• Harvest eggplants when their skin is glossy and firm, and they are a good size for the variety.
• Cut the stem with a sharp knife or pruners, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the fruit.
• If left too long, eggplants can become dull, soft, seedy, and bitter.

Basil

• Harvest basil leaves as needed by pinching off individual leaves or cutting stems just above a leaf node.
• Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more foliage.
• Pinch off any flower buds immediately to prevent the plant from going to seed, which can make leaves bitter.