When to Plant Eggplant in Defiance 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.
Defiance County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 821 feet, Defiance County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.
Defiance County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Eggplant to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 eggplant plants in about 16 sq ft. In Defiance County's 174-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Eggplant Planting Timeline — Defiance County, OH
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 |
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 | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Defiance County
Growing Tips for Defiance 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Eggplant in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Eggplant in Defiance County, OH?
Defiance County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Defiance County, OH?
Defiance County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Defiance County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Defiance County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.