Ten to 12 plants will produce all or more than an average family can use...
Eggplant is a very tender plant and should not be set in the open until a week or two after all danger of frost has passed.
When set too early, even if no frost comes, a cool spell of several nights may kill it.
Start plants in a hotbed or boxes indoors. Transplant in cold frames to have stocky plants when time comes to set in the garden. In many places plants can be bought at seed stores.
A rich soil, or plenty of fertilizer as for tomatoes, is essential. Set plants 3 1/2 to 4 feet apart in rows 3 to 4 ft wide. If plants become too heavy with their crop, they may be tied to stakes but usually this is not necessary.
