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When to plant Eggplant in Bartholomew County, IN

Bartholomew County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Eggplant between April 19 (after last frost on April 12) and May 10.

When to Plant Eggplant in Bartholomew County, IN

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.

Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 1,376 feet, Bartholomew County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.

Bartholomew County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Bartholomew County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

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 Bartholomew County's 191-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Eggplant

Eggplant needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Eggplant Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bartholomew County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Eggplant Planting Timeline — Bartholomew County, IN

Eggplant Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 – May 10
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Sep 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
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

191 days in Bartholomew County

Growing Tips for Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew County, IN?

Bartholomew County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bartholomew County, IN?

Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Eggplant in Bartholomew County, IN?

In Bartholomew County, IN, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bartholomew County, IN for Eggplant?

Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew County's climate?

Yes — Eggplant grows well in Bartholomew County's temperate climate. Bartholomew County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.

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Your Bartholomew County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.