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When to plant Eggplant in Macoupin County, IL

Aim to plant Eggplant in Macoupin County on or after April 18; the window stays open through May 9. Macoupin County's 193-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.

When to Plant Eggplant in Macoupin County, IL

Eggplant

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.

Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 859 feet, Macoupin County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.

Macoupin County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Macoupin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Eggplant to Grow

4-6 lbs
Average yield per plant
2
Plants per person
4 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 eggplant plants in about 16 sq ft. In Macoupin County's 193-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Eggplant Planting Timeline — Macoupin County, IL

Eggplant Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 5

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

65–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Macoupin County

Growing Tips for Macoupin 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

  • Fennel
  • Kohlrabi

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Eggplant in Macoupin County, IL?

Macoupin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macoupin County, IL?

Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Eggplant in Macoupin County, IL?

In Macoupin County, IL, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macoupin County, IL for Eggplant?

Macoupin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Eggplant grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Eggplant grow in Macoupin County's climate?

Yes — Eggplant grows well in Macoupin County's temperate climate. Macoupin County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Macoupin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macoupin County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Macoupin County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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