Starting seeds! (Eggplant)
For the more advanced gardener with kids.
Eggplant is one of those plants that makes you feel like a real gardener. You’ve leveled up from tomatoes and basil and you’re ready to move indoors at the end of the winter.
Question about Quantity
How many seeds should you plant? Well, that depends on the size of your garden. Eggplants need a lot of space in your garden, so don’t overdo it. Assume most of your seeds will take, but plant 1-2 extra. You can always give them away to friends.
Heat, Light, Water!
This is my actual setup. (Note: this is a misleading photo…those lights should be bent a few inches from the soil…)
Step One: Create a Spa-Like Environment
Eggplant seeds won’t sprout if they’re cold — and I included this photo to show you that we still have snow — that’s how early you start eggplants). They need soil temperatures around 75–85°F, which means unless you live in a climate where it's already balmy in February (not here!), you’ll need a heating mat.
Place the mat under your seed trays and set it to 80°F. It should feel warm but not hot—think "just right" like a perfect cup of tea.
Use a seed-starting mix, not garden soil. The mix should be light and fluffy so those tiny roots don’t have to work too hard.
Step Two: Lights
Event these windows won’t cut it at this time of year. You’ll need grow lights to keep them from getting spindly.
Keep lights on for 14–16 hours a day. I know that sounds like a lot. But eggplants like a long day.
Position them 1–2 inches above the seedlings and raise the lights as they grow.
Step Three: Watering—The Art of Not Overdoing It
This is where most people go wrong. Too much water, and you’re inviting fungus in. Too little, and the seeds get stubborn.
Do a big water to get the soil nice and wet when you first plant the seeds.
Some people use a spray bottle until the seeds sprout (7-14 days), but I also occasionally do a bigger bottom water if that’s not quite keeping the soil “moist.”
Once they pop up, bottom water again so the soil absorbs moisture without drenching the fragile stems. Set the tray in a shallow dish of water so the soil absorbs the moisture from…the bottom.
If this feels like a lot of gear, I get it. But after trying it both ways, I can confidently say these small investments make a big difference. Plus, most of it is easy to find on Amazon. If you’re already thinking about your garden while there’s still snow on the ground, it’s definitely worth it!
Your Seed-Starting Shopping List
Heating pad – Get one with a thermostat to keep temperatures steady.
Grow lights – A 50-watt option should do the trick.
Seed starting soil – Lighter and fluffier than regular soil, perfect for baby plants.
Seed Tray – You’ll eventually need to move seedlings into larger pots, but we’ll cross that bridge later!
Bottom-watering tray – No need for anything fancy—a baking pan you already own works great.
Turkish Delight (long and skinny) Eggplant seeds OR Traviata (classic fat) Eggplant seeds.
💡 Reader request: Someone asked for a pretty tray option, since seedlings tend to take center stage by a sunny window. I’m on the hunt—stay tuned!
Eggplants can take a while to sprout out of soil, so there’s some patience required here, but it’ll be worth the wait — and we’ll stick with you the whole time.