First Eggplant has arrived!

Pictured below is the first eggplant of the year, weighing in at 11-3/4 oz. It was picked off the largest of all the eggplant plants, located on the extreme South end of the garden. It was planted in mid-January using the Kozy Koat. It seems that is the secret to getting the plants off to an early start. I am going to track the total eggplant harvest, and try to determine the optimal size to harvest the eggplants.

From what I've read, it is better to pick sooner rather than later. The eggplant picked today still had a nice shiny glossy outer skin. I read that when the outer skin turns dull you've waited too long.  Rather than pull the eggplant off the vine, it is suggested that the stem be cut using a knife or scissor--the stem can be sharp.

After work, went to the garden with Karen and we picked 7 more large slicing cucumbers and 2 zucchinis, bringing the total to 97 cucumbers and 22 zucchinis.  I anticipate that cucumber #100 will be harvested as soon as tomorrow!

Also picked a few peppers, several smaller cucumbers, purple and yellow beans, orange sungold, red currant, and a Better Boy tomato.