How to Grow Brinjal at Home This Monsoon: Easy Gardening Guide for Small Spaces

There is something nostalgic about the monsoon. The scent of fresh rain on parched soil, the soothing winds, and the gentle hum of nature reawakening it all feels like an invitation to slow down and reconnect. For many of us, that reconnection comes through gardening.

Whether you have a balcony, a sun-drenched windowsill, or a compact rooftop terrace, the rainy season is the perfect time to try your hand at growing something edible. Among the best choices for monsoon gardening is brinjal, or aubergine, a hardy and versatile vegetable that flourishes in humid conditions and brings immense satisfaction when home-grown.

The feature that makes brinjal especially suitable for small spaces is its adaptability. It does not demand a large garden bed, and with the right care, it yields generously. The best months to start growing this vegetable in India are June to September, which coincide with the monsoon season. 

The warm temperatures and consistent rainfall during these months create the ideal environment for the plant to grow. Let’s dive into the complete step-by-step process to grow brinjal at home:

Step 1: Choose the correct variety

Not all brinjal plants are suited to small spaces. If you are growing in containers, it is important to pick a compact or dwarf variety that does not spread too widely or grow too tall. Some great options include ‘Baby Brinjal’, ‘Purple Round’, and ‘Green Long’. These types are specifically bred to do well in pots and produce plenty of fruit in a short amount of time.

Step 2: Select a suitable container

Your container needs to be at least 12 to 15 inches deep and wide. Brinjal plants develop deep roots and require a good amount of space for healthy growth. You can use clay pots, plastic containers, or grow bags, as long as they have adequate drainage holes at the bottom. Without proper drainage, excess water can lead to root rot, especially during monsoon showers.

Step 3: Prepare the ideal potting mix

Brinjals need soil that is rich in nutrients but drains well. To create the perfect potting mix at home, combine one part garden soil, one part compost (or well-rotted cow dung), and one part coco peat or river sand. This mixture guarantees a balance of nutrients, moisture retention, and good aeration. You can also mix in a handful of neem cake powder or crushed eggshells to add natural pest resistance and improve soil quality.

Step 4: Start from seeds or buy seedlings

You have two choices: either start your brinjal from seed or purchase young seedlings from a local nursery.

If you are growing from seed, begin by sowing the seeds in a seed tray or small pots filled with the potting mix. Sow each seed about half an inch deep and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the tray in a warm and semi-shaded spot. The seeds should germinate within seven to 10 days. Once the seedlings develop four to six leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into their final container.

If you are short on time or want a head start, buying healthy seedlings is a good option. Choose plants that look green and sturdy, not leggy or wilted. Gently transplant one seedling into each large pot, taking care not to damage the roots.

Step 5: Place your pots in a sunny spot

Brinjal plants need at least five to six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow well and produce fruit. Even during the rainy season, try to place your pots in a bright spot, like a south-facing balcony, terrace, or well-lit window works best. 

If your area receives heavy rainfall, consider placing the pots under a covered area or using a transparent plastic sheet to protect the plants from being waterlogged while still allowing light through.

Step 6: Water carefully

During the monsoon, you might think you don’t need to water your plants at all, but that is not the case always. While rain helps, brinjal plants still need regular attention. Check the soil daily, and if the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. Overwatering can suffocate the roots and lead to fungal infections, so always make sure the excess water can drain out of the pot.

If you are growing indoors or in a sheltered area, a light watering every two to three days may be enough. Avoid wetting the leaves directly when possible, as constant moisture can lead to diseases like mildew.

Step 7: Provide support as the plant grows

As the brinjal plant begins to grow taller, especially around the four to five-week mark, it may need support to keep its stems upright, particularly when it starts bearing fruit. Insert a bamboo stake or wooden stick into the soil and gently tie the plant to it using a soft cloth or twine. This prevents the plant from bending or snapping under its weight or during windy spells.

Step 8: Pinch and prune for better growth

To encourage bushier growth and more fruiting branches, pinch off the top growing tip when the plant reaches about 12 to 15 inches tall. This redirects the plant’s energy into side shoots and helps it become fuller rather than tall and leggy. Regularly remove any yellowing or damaged leaves, as these can attract pests or disease.

Step 9: Feed the plant every fortnight

Brinjals are heavy feeders, meaning they need regular nutrition to produce fruit. Starting from about three weeks after transplanting, feed the plant every 10 to 15 days using:

• Compost tea

• Diluted cow dung solution

• Seaweed extract

• Or any mild organic liquid fertiliser

Avoid using chemical fertilisers, especially in containers, as they can damage the soil over time and make the fruit taste bitter.

Step 10: Watch out for pests and diseases

The combination of moisture and warmth during the monsoon can attract common garden pests like aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Check the undersides of leaves regularly and look for signs like curling leaves, sticky residue, or fuzzy white patches. To manage this:

• Spray the plant with a neem oil solution (mix five millilitres of neem oil in one litre of water with a few drops of liquid soap) every week.

• You can also make a homemade garlic-chilli spray to deter pests naturally.

• Provide good air circulation between plants to prevent fungal infections.

Step 11: Harvesting brinjals

Depending on the variety, your brinjal plant should start producing fruit around 60 to 80 days after transplanting. Harvest the fruit when it looks shiny, firm, and well-shaped. If the skin appears dull or wrinkled, the brinjal is likely overripe and may taste bitter.

Use a clean pair of garden scissors or a sharp knife to cut the fruit, leaving a small stem attached. Don’t pull it off, this can damage the plant.

Key tips to remember

• Sunlight is essential: Check that the plant is receiving five to six hours of sun even during cloudy days.

• One plant per pot: Give each brinjal enough space to grow and breathe.

• Drainage matters: Avoid soggy soil as it leads to root rot and fungal diseases.

• Harvest young: Pick the brinjals while they are tender and glossy for the best flavour.

Edited by Vidya Gowri