Growing Aubergines in Small Spaces: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you think you need a huge garden to grow delicious aubergines (also known as eggplants), think again! With a little planning and care, growing aubergines in small spaces — like patios, balconies, and compact gardens — is perfectly possible.
In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to grow healthy, productive aubergine plants in pots, containers, or small beds.

Why Grow Aubergines in Small Spaces?

There are several benefits to growing aubergines in compact areas:

Space efficiency: Grow vertically or in containers without needing much ground.
Better climate control: Move pots to the sunniest, warmest spots.
Pest reduction: Elevating plants can help avoid common ground pests.
Unique varieties: Growing your own means access to colourful and tasty aubergine types rarely found in supermarkets.

Whether you have a balcony, a tiny courtyard, or a sunny windowsill, aubergines can thrive with the right care.

Best Aubergine Varieties for Small Spaces

Choosing compact or dwarf aubergine varieties is key for small space success.

Top small-space aubergine varieties:

‘Ophelia’ – Small-fruited and perfect for containers.
‘Patio Baby’ – Award-winning mini aubergines; highly productive.
‘Slim Jim’ – Slender fruits on a compact plant.
‘Little Fingers’ – Small, finger-sized fruits perfect for pots.
‘Fairy Tale’ – Beautiful striped mini aubergines with sweet flavour.

Tip: Look for varieties specifically bred for containers or balconies.

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

Aubergines need room for roots to develop, even in small spaces.

Ideal container features:

Size: Minimum 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) wide and deep.
Material: Plastic, fabric grow bags, or terracotta pots work well.
Drainage: Always ensure good drainage holes.

Tip: Use a lightweight potting mix to keep containers easier to move.

Step 2: Prepare the Perfect Soil Mix

Healthy, nutrient-rich soil is crucial for strong, fruitful aubergine plants.

Best soil mix for growing aubergines:

60% quality vegetable compost
30% loam-based compost (e.g., John Innes No. 3)
10% perlite or grit for aeration and drainage

Mix in some slow-release granular fertiliser at planting time for long-term feeding.

Step 3: How to Start Aubergine Plants

Aubergines can be grown from seed or bought as young plants.

Sowing from seed:

Start seeds indoors from January to March.
Sow in small pots or seed trays with seed compost.
Cover lightly and keep at 20–25°C.
Germination usually takes 7–14 days.

Once seedlings have two true leaves, pot them up into individual 7–9 cm pots.

Tip: Using a heated propagator or heat mat speeds up germination!

Step 4: Planting Aubergines in Small Spaces

Once plants are about 6–8 inches tall and frost danger has passed, it’s time to move them into final containers.

Planting steps:

Fill containers with your prepared soil mix.
Plant aubergines deep, burying the stem slightly to encourage strong roots.
Water thoroughly and place in the sunniest, warmest spot available.

Important: Aubergines are sun lovers — choose the warmest microclimate in your space.

Step 5: Caring for Aubergines in Containers

Regular care is key to getting a healthy crop in a small space.

Light

Aubergines need 6–8 hours of full sun daily.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Water at the base to avoid wetting leaves, which can cause disease.

Feeding

Start feeding once flowers appear.
Use a high-potash liquid fertiliser (like tomato feed) every 7–10 days.

Support

Some aubergines need small stakes or cages to support fruit-laden branches.

Tip: Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Step 6: Encouraging Fruit Set

Indoor or sheltered growing often requires hand-pollination.

How to hand-pollinate:

Gently tap flowers to distribute pollen.
Use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers if needed.

Good airflow also helps natural pollination outdoors.

Step 7: Harvesting Aubergines in Small Spaces

Aubergines are ready to harvest when:

Fruits are glossy, firm, and deep in colour.
Size matches the expected variety size (small for mini types).
Skin is tight and unwrinkled.

Harvest tips:

Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut fruits cleanly with a short stem attached.
Check plants regularly — harvesting encourages more fruit production.

Tip: Don’t wait too long — overripe aubergines become bitter and seedy.

Common Problems When Growing Aubergines in Containers

Watch for these common issues:

Blossom End Rot

Caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering.
Solution: Maintain even moisture and feed regularly.

Aphids and Whiteflies

Small sap-sucking pests that weaken plants.
Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds.

Poor Fruit Set

Often caused by insufficient light or poor pollination.
Solution: Move plants to sunnier spots and hand-pollinate if necessary.

Conclusion: Big Yields from Small Spaces

Growing aubergines in small spaces proves that you don’t need a huge garden to enjoy delicious, homegrown produce.
With the right variety, container setup, soil, sunlight, and care, even a tiny patio or balcony can become a productive aubergine paradise.
Start growing your own today — and experience the rich, rewarding flavour of freshly picked aubergines!