When to Plant Honeydew in St. Johns County, FL
Honeydew melons have smooth, pale green rinds and sweet, light green flesh. They require a long, warm growing season and are slightly more heat-tolerant than cantaloupe.
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Honeydew may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Honeydew will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Honeydew root diseases.
St. Johns County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
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
Honeydew Planting Timeline — St. Johns County, FL
Honeydew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
296 days
Growing Tips for St. Johns County
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before transplanting. Plant on raised mounds of rich soil. Harvest when the blossom end gives slightly when pressed and the skin turns creamy yellow.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Honeydew in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Honeydew in St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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