When to Plant Honeydew in Des Moines County, IA
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.
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 606 feet, Des Moines County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Honeydew during the growing season.
Des Moines County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.7
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 — Des Moines County, IA
Honeydew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
182 days
Growing Tips for Des Moines 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 Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Des Moines County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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