When to Plant Eggplant in Ouachita County, AR
Eggplant is a heat-loving solanaceous crop that produces glossy fruits in purple, white, or striped varieties. It requires long, warm growing seasons for best production.
Ouachita County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 591 feet, Ouachita County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Eggplant may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Ouachita County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Eggplant Planting Timeline — Ouachita County, AR
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
65–85 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
225 days
Growing Tips for Ouachita County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only after nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Mulch to retain moisture and warmth around roots.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Eggplant in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Eggplant in Ouachita County, AR?
Ouachita County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ouachita County, AR?
Ouachita County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ouachita County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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