When to Plant Honeydew in Slope County, ND
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.
Slope County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 1,230 feet, Slope County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Honeydew to ensure they mature before fall.
Slope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Honeydew Planting Timeline — Slope County, ND
Honeydew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | September 4 | Sep 4 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
132 days
Growing Tips for Slope 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 Slope County, ND?
Slope County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Slope County, ND?
Slope County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Slope County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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