When to Plant Eggplant in Benton County, MO
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.
Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,323 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Benton County
How your county's soil matches Eggplant's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) overlaps with Eggplant's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Benton County is excellent for Eggplant — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Eggplant.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Eggplant.
How to Plant Eggplant
Succession Planting Eggplant
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Eggplant
Eggplant needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Eggplant Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4.4" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 4.1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.5" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Eggplant Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Eggplant Planting Timeline — Benton County, MO
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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
1.1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
65–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Eggplant in Benton County
Direct sow Eggplant outdoors after April 09 in Benton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Eggplant in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Eggplant in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Eggplant in Benton County, MO?
Benton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, MO?
Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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