When to Plant Cantaloupe in Grant County, OR
Cantaloupe is a sweet, aromatic melon with salmon-colored flesh and a netted rind. It requires a long, warm growing season and is the quintessential summer fruit.
Grant County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 6 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 96 days.
At an elevation of 2,838 feet, Grant County receives approximately 22.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cantaloupe to ensure they mature before fall.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.4
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
Cantaloupe Planting Timeline — Grant County, OR
Cantaloupe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 11 |
| Harvest | September 5 | Sep 5 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
96 days
Growing Tips for Grant County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow on warm mounds. Reduce watering as fruits ripen. Harvest when stem slips easily from the fruit with gentle pressure.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Cantaloupe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cantaloupe in Grant County, OR?
Grant County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 6. Plan your Cantaloupe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, OR?
Grant County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 6 and first fall frost is September 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Grant County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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