When to Plant Eggplant in Summit County, OH
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.
Summit County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,309 feet, Summit County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Eggplant Planting Timeline — Summit County, OH
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Summit 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 Summit County, OH?
Summit County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, OH?
Summit County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Summit County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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