No space for a garden? No problem! You can still grow delicious, healthy eggplants upside down using nothing more than eggs, bananas, and a plastic bottle. This creative method saves space, keeps pests away, and uses natural fertilizers available in every kitchen. Perfect for balconies and small apartments, this DIY trick proves that fresh food doesn’t need farmland—just a clever idea.
Why Grow Eggplants Upside Down
Growing eggplants (brinjals) upside down has several benefits:
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Saves balcony and ground space.
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Prevents soil-borne pests from reaching the plant.
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Improves air circulation, reducing fungal infections.
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Uses gravity to promote strong stems and better fruiting.
Plus, the upside-down method looks unique and decorative—perfect for urban gardeners who love experimenting.
Materials You’ll Need
To start your upside-down eggplant garden, gather:
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1 large plastic bottle (5-liter water can)
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1 small banana (ripe)
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1 egg
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Good quality potting soil
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1 young eggplant seedling (6–8 inches tall)
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Strong rope or hook for hanging
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A sharp knife or scissors
Make sure the plant variety is compact—such as baby brinjal or Thai eggplant—which grows well in limited space.
Setting Up the Upside-Down Planter
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Prepare the bottle: Cut off the bottom part (about 3 inches) to create an opening for watering. Drill 2–3 small holes near the edge for hanging ropes.
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Make a planting hole: Cut a circular hole (2 inches wide) in the bottle’s cap or lower portion—this is where the plant will grow upside down.
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Add natural fertilizer: Place one whole egg and one banana inside the bottle. These act as slow-release fertilizers—bananas provide potassium, and eggs add calcium for stronger stems and fruits.
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Add soil: Fill the bottle with your potting mix (40% garden soil, 30% compost, 20% cocopeat, 10% sand).
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Insert the seedling: Gently push the eggplant seedling through the hole so that the root ball remains inside and the stem hangs downward.
Secure the plant by gently pressing soil around the roots. The top opening is used for watering and adding compost later.
Watering and Care
Hang the planter in a sunny spot that receives 6–8 hours of light daily.
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Water the plant from the top opening every 2–3 days.
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Avoid overwatering—let the excess drain naturally.
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As the banana and egg decompose, they’ll feed the plant naturally, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.
You can also add liquid compost tea once every 15 days to boost growth.
Pollination and Growth Tips
Eggplants produce beautiful purple flowers before fruiting. Gently shake the planter every few days to help with natural pollination, or use a soft brush to move pollen between flowers.
Prune off any yellow or weak leaves to keep the plant’s energy focused on fruit production. Within 45–60 days, you’ll see small brinjals hanging beautifully from your upside-down garden.
Harvesting
Harvest when the eggplants are shiny and firm, usually around 2–3 months after planting. Use scissors to cut them off rather than pulling, as the roots hang upside down and can be disturbed easily.
After harvest, refill compost and let the plant continue producing for several months.
Conclusion
This upside-down eggplant growing hack is a fun, space-saving way to grow your own vegetables—even in a small apartment. With just a banana, an egg, and a bottle, you can create an organic mini garden that’s both decorative and productive.
It’s an excellent project for beginners or eco-conscious gardeners who want to reuse waste and grow food the smart way—without needing a garden at all!
FAQs
Why use eggs and bananas for eggplants?
They act as organic fertilizers—bananas add potassium and eggs provide calcium for strong stems and fruits.
Can I grow eggplants indoors with this method?
Yes, as long as the plant gets 6–8 hours of sunlight or you use a grow light.
How long does it take to harvest eggplants?
Around 60–90 days after planting, depending on variety and temperature.
Do I need to prune the plant?
Yes, trimming weak stems helps focus energy on fruit growth and prevents overcrowding.
Can I reuse the bottle planter?
Absolutely—after one harvest, replace the soil and start with a new seedling for another cycle.