Can eggplants be planted in the same greenhouse with cucumbers? Growing and care

Gardeners debate whether it's safe to plant cucumbers and eggplants in the same greenhouse. Botanists agree. Both crops require the same conditions. The key is to place the vegetables in different corners of the greenhouse. The second rule is to plant cucumbers so they aren't shaded by tall plants. Avoid aromatic herbs and greens near the aforementioned fruits. Hyssop, basil, and saffron will ruin the future harvest.

What requirements are taken into account?

Gardeners have different opinions on whether it's advisable to plant cucumbers and eggplants in the same greenhouse. Despite numerous studies, there's no consensus. This is because eggplants and cucumbers require slightly different conditions to thrive.

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Before planting vegetables, the soil in the greenhouse is cleared of plant debris. The second step is adding organic matter and digging the bed. Watering is done at least twice. Pre-disinfection of the soil will help reduce the activity of pathogens and pests.

The practical side of the issue

Owners of small and spacious greenhouses are solving the problem. They use space efficiently, but at the same time planting cucumbers And eggplants are cared for in a way that ensures their comfort. Botanists give a clear answer. Both crops are compatible when it comes to four parameters:

• warm;
• moisture;
• light;
• top dressing.

The difference is noticeable in watering. Partial compatibility is expressed by cucumbers' higher water requirements. While eggplants are watered at the roots, cucumbers are sprayed. Crispy fruits, unlike blue ones, thrive in high humidity. Not every planting arrangement is advisable. Planting vegetables or herbs that suppress each other in the same bed will result in yield losses. For example, the minimum distance between eggplants and cucumbers is 15-20 cm. The plants should not shade each other. Other recommendations:

• planting several types of cucumbers and eggplants in a greenhouse is justified;
• plant crispy fruit using trellises;
• “blue” vegetables are given a sunny corner in the greenhouse, and cucumbers are given a more shaded one;
• two cultures are separated by a partition made of polyethylene film;
• Both vegetables are placed on different sides of the central aisle - this will make maintenance easier;
• eggplant bushes require pinching and garter;
• For growing both crops, greenhouses made of polycarbonate with a metal base are suitable.

Neither crop tolerates transplanting. It is recommended to plant eggplants and cucumbers in separate pots.

Preparing and planting seeds

Before planting, soak the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 24 hours. If the seed package is labeled "F1," pre-soaking is not necessary. Place up to three seeds in a container. If all sprout, select the strongest ones. Remove the weaker ones. The second step is to "transplant" the seeds into temporary pots for 80 days. Next steps:

1. Cucumber seedlings are transferred to a greenhouse along with the peat container in which they have been growing for the past 70-80 days. They can be relocated immediately after at least two leaves appear.
2. Five days before planting eggplants next to the future cucumbers, heat the greenhouse. The seedlings will not tolerate the temperature shock during transplantation well.

Eggplants are planted in two rows, spaced 30 to 40 cm apart. Increase the spacing between rows if tall eggplants are selected. A staggered pattern is the best option. A single row is acceptable if the gardener has chosen spreading varieties.

Watering and fertilizing

The amount of moisture applied depends on whether the crispy vegetables are planted near the blue eggplants. If they are too close, plastic film should be used. The gardener stretches it between the eggplant and cucumber beds. This is because the crispy vegetables are regularly sprayed, which is harmful to the blue eggplants.

Eggplant health is inversely proportional to the humidity level in the greenhouse. Juicy and tasty cucumbers cannot be grown without ample watering. Other recommendations:

• Both crops require the addition of organic matter every 14 days;
• mineral fertilizers are applied up to 3 times during the entire season;
• 7 days before flowering begins, do not add any more chemicals to the soil;
• Fluorine and nitrogen are added to the soil in limited quantities - an excess of substances negatively affects the development of vegetables;
• If at least one diseased plant appears in the greenhouse, it is immediately removed, and the rest are inspected daily;
• crunchy vegetables love foliar feeding;
• You can plant and spray cucumbers with water containing garlic and onions in a ratio of 4 to 1.

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Three hours before planting, treat the soil around the holes with a weak solution of brilliant green and iodine. This solution destroys pathogenic flora. After this, you can safely plant the seeds.

Reviews

Anatoly

A good harvest can only be achieved with proper training. I always remove male flowers and damaged areas on cucumber seedlings. I do the same with tendrils and yellow leaves. I always take care not to damage the seedlings when staking them. When it comes to eggplants, I always remove the top part of the plant. I do this immediately after it reaches 30 cm. I leave up to two of the largest shoots.

Tamara

When planting crunchy fruits and eggplants together in a plot, I always pre-treat them with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Ladybugs are another helpful tool. If they live near the seedlings, there's no need to worry about pests. If a virus strikes, I use 20% bleach. I spray the bushes up to twice a week.

Yaroslav

The eggplants I planted, grown and cared for in my greenhouse with cucumbers, which my grandfather managed, are doing well. The only downside is that they require an additional heat source in cold and rainy summers. I use a fan heater.

Growing eggplants and cucumbers together inside a greenhouse is possible. The key is to place the vegetables on opposite sides of a central path. If this is not possible, separate the beds with a plastic partition. Despite a number of similarities, the two vegetables have a number of differences. A good harvest can be expected if the gardener follows proper agricultural practices.