When to Plant Honeydew in Portage County, WI
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.
Portage County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,008 feet, Portage County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Honeydew to ensure they mature before fall.
Portage County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
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 — Portage County, WI
Honeydew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
154 days
Growing Tips for Portage 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 Portage County, WI?
Portage County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Portage County, WI?
Portage County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Portage County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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