When to Plant Honeydew in Lackawanna County, PA
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.
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 184 feet, Lackawanna County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Honeydew to ensure they mature before fall.
Lackawanna County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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
Honeydew Planting Timeline — Lackawanna County, PA
Honeydew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Sep 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| 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
162 days
Growing Tips for Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna County, PA?
Lackawanna County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lackawanna County, PA?
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lackawanna County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.