I forgot to ask earlier, but since I'll be planting them today, has anyone had any success growing eggplants? My mom has asked me to plant 4 eggplant plants and the last time I tried it, it didn't turn out so well...That was at another house, with clay soil, so I'm hoping that was the issue...Any suggestions or helpful hints are appreciated...

After inspecting the plants today (I really should have been paying more attention over the last few days), I have a myriad of problems. Several plants have holes eaten through the leaves - the potatoes and cowpeas are the worst off. I'm not really sure what to do, but I had heard I can spray with a detergent/water combination. Dang pests.

The tomatoes are still wilting, though I watered them quite a bit last night and this morning. It's not even that hot!? I'll keep giving them lots of water in the mornings before work to help them start perking back up, but so far it's not looking great (it's only been ~24 hours, though).

Eggplants : good rich soil and full sun . If they're in full sun during the hotter months be sure and mulch / water well. The can get thick-skinned if you grow 'em in desert conditions so I like to plant mine where they get some shade after about 2:00 pm.

I "mulched" using that black plastic sheeting, but after speaking with my grandpa, he changed my mind on it. So I ripped it all up (sheesh, what a waste tracking that stuff down last week).

So, now instead of that stuff, I put down my wheat straw mulch. I'm thinking that will: 1) help the plants get more air circulation to the roots and 2) help get more sunshine to the roots. I hope for the best...

Anyone have any luck growing sweet corn if so what is the trick?

Years ago we had fleas invade our carpet. On advice from another I treated the dog and the carpet with Sevin. I don't remember how long we left it on the carpet, but I know it was at least several days, because you had to treat long enough to affect newly hatching fleas. I never thought of it as strong poison, more along the lines of a medicated powder. I guess I lived through it.

Black plastic sheeting is good early in the season to help sterilize the soil. This time of year I would not think it would be neccesary.
Wheat straw will 1. not help the roots get more air circulation, unless tilled in the soil and 2. Will definitely not get more sunshine to the roots, the roots will not tolerate sunshine.
The wheat straw as mulch will help keep the soil moist and help with weeds growing but thats about it.

You're right; I worded it wrong. I meant it will get more air circulation to the base of the plant, as opposed to the black plastic which is not permeable by air, water, or light.


I woke up early this morning to water the corn. It was chilly, but didn't freeze.

need help with irrigation..i have a 22'x27' garden and its gonna be cramped so i need ideas for watering each plant...56 tomatos,onions,6 peppers,2 cuc's,and 2 okra..thanks