As the previous experiment in extending summer crops into the depths of winter here in Melbourne has been quite successful (I've been getting quite a few ripening capsicums and peppers, and there are still flowers too), I've been thinking maybe I can extend these successes to another under-performing summer crop.
I planted about 10 eggplants last year and got nary a one all summer long. Granted I sowed the seed a bit on the late side (maybe October if my memory serves me correctly), but they were small and stunted and grew really slowly all summer, and were completely unproductive.
Lazy gardener that I am I haven't yet gotten to pulling them out, but over the last month (perhaps due to the recent warm spell we Aussies have experienced) they have been looking more lush and green, and have been putting out flowers.
So I'm encouraging the strongest looking plants with a makeshift greenhouse arrangement.
I've used old sheets of glass to form a tower around three plants. I've put bricks inside the stucture to hopefully hold heat and release it overnight so the plants don't get too cold.
There have been even more flowers since the glass house went up.
And, joy of joys, the flowers are forming little tiny fruits. I couldn't quite get a photo of those so you'll just have to take my word for it.
I'm hopeful that I get a couple of eggplants, but even if I don't I am also aiming to keep the plants alive through the winter to see if I can get a second crop next summer. I don't know if it will work, but it will be fun to try.