When the weather starts to heat up, it’s not uncommon for eggplants to turn yellow prematurely. This can happen due to sun overexposure, which is essentially like sunburn for the eggplant. The intense heat and direct sunlight can cause the fruit to develop an orange or yellow color instead of the desired deep purple or black.
To protect your eggplants from sunburn, you can use a shade cloth. This is a lightweight fabric that can be draped over the plants to provide some relief from the harsh sun. The shade cloth helps to filter the sunlight and reduce the intensity of the heat reaching the eggplants. It’s important to secure the shade cloth properly so that it doesn’t blow away in the wind or cause damage to the plants.
However, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your eggplants when using a shade cloth. While it helps to prevent sunburn, it can also reduce the amount of sunlight the plants receive. Eggplants need a good amount of sunlight to grow and develop properly. So, it’s important to strike a balance between protecting them from excessive heat and ensuring they still receive enough sunlight.
Here are some tips to help you monitor and care for your eggplants while using a shade cloth:
1. Regularly check the eggplants: Inspect the plants every day or every other day to see how they are doing. Look for any signs of sunburn, such as yellowing or browning of the fruit. If you notice any issues, adjust the shade cloth accordingly to provide more or less shade.
2. Adjust the shade cloth: Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to adjust the shade cloth throughout the day. If it’s extremely hot and sunny, you can keep the shade cloth on all day. But if the weather is more moderate, you can remove it or partially uncover the plants to allow more sunlight.
3. Time the shade cloth usage: Consider using the shade cloth during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its peak intensity. This is usually between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. By protecting the plants during this time, you can minimize the risk of sunburn.
4. Provide adequate airflow: While the shade cloth helps to reduce the heat, it’s important to ensure proper airflow around the plants. Good air circulation can prevent the development of fungal diseases and keep the plants healthy. Avoid completely covering the eggplants with the shade cloth, leaving some space for air to circulate.
5. Water appropriately: Hot weather can cause the soil to dry out quickly, so make sure to water your eggplants regularly. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage the roots to grow deeper and become more resilient to heat stress.
Personal Experience:
Last summer, I noticed that my eggplants were starting to turn orange even though they were not fully matured. I was initially confused about what could be causing this issue. After researching and speaking to fellow gardeners, I learned that sunburn was the likely culprit.
I decided to try using a shade cloth to protect my eggplants from further sun damage. I purchased a lightweight fabric and secured it over the plants using stakes and clips. The shade cloth provided relief from the intense sunlight and helped to cool down the plants.
I made sure to check on the plants regularly, especially during the hottest part of the day. I adjusted the shade cloth as needed, ensuring that the eggplants were still receiving enough sunlight. It was a delicate balance between protecting them from sunburn and allowing them to continue growing.
By using the shade cloth and carefully monitoring the plants, I was able to prevent further sunburn and allow the eggplants to ripen to their desired deep purple color. It was a lesson learned about the importance of protecting sensitive plants from excessive heat and sunlight.
If your eggplants are turning orange, it’s likely due to sun overexposure and sunburn. Using a shade cloth can be an effective way to protect the plants from further damage. However, it’s essential to monitor them closely and strike a balance between shade and sunlight. With proper care and attention, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious eggplants despite the hot weather.
