Question
Hello Mike,

I am trying my hand at farming this summer.  I have four rows of approx 75'.  In my first row I have planted Black Beauty, Rosa Bianca, and Japanese eggplant along with tomatillos and various peppers.  I live on the Central Coast just north of Santa Barbara, off the 101 freeway.  The farmer tried eggplant years back, but the bugs got the best of the eggplant.  I wanted to try again, and bought some agribond 19.  Bug row cover and insulate for plant.  I was told it would raise the temp by about 4 degrees and I thought that would be ok as the area can get up to 90-100 degrees, although we are having an unusually cool spring and possibly summer.  The plants had about a week before I covered them, and I will uncover them for a short period of time to weed next week.  Do you think this a wise course of action for one? Do you have any input or suggestions.  I am very excited about the Rosa Bianca as my sister says its the best eggplant out there, but am concerned about the weather being to cool.  Thank You in advance for any input.  Sincerely, Wendy

Answer
Wendy, row covers are the best preventive measure you can take to protect plants from flying insects. Eggplant are especially susceptible to flea beetles, which can be identified by the hundreds of small holes on each leaf. Row covers deter them and they eventually seek another source of food.

Just remember to lift the row covers once the plants begin to bloom. Otherwise, the blooms will not get pollinated. At that stage, the plants are usually mature enough to ward off any further infestations.

I hope this answered your question. Good luck with your garden, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike