When to Plant Eggplant in Ogle County, IL
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.
Ogle County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 890 feet, Ogle County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.
Ogle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
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 — Ogle County, IL
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
173 days
Growing Tips for Ogle 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 Ogle County, IL?
Ogle County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ogle County, IL?
Ogle County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ogle County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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