finch,

Similar to growing tomatoes, but tomato transplants take 6-8 weeks before planting in the garden, eggplant is a minimum of 8 wks to set out. In the past few years many gardeners are growing eggplants in grow-bags, which is also ideal for 1st timers. So the soil would be probably purchased in bags. So no to Miracle Grow, esp. 'moisture control' but MG peat moss is ok mixed with top soil, cow, compost, etc. Many will mix in perlite, I don't but I can see where it would be beneficial. So 1/2 peat moss, 1/2 compost like and mix in some perlite if you want. Or the same soil mix for a fixed container of 5 gallon + size. -Randy