When to plant Watermelon in Apache County, AZ
Apache County's 143-day season only supports one Watermelon planting per year. Sow between May 27 and June 17 for the best chance at full maturity before October 10.
When to Plant Watermelon in Apache County, AZ
Watermelon is a sprawling vine crop that produces sweet, juicy fruits in hot weather. Varieties range from personal-sized icebox types to 50-pound giants.
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Watermelon during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Watermelon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Watermelon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Apache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.7
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Watermelon to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 4 watermelon plants in about 8 sq ft. In Apache County's 143-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Watermelon
Watermelon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watermelon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Apache County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watermelon Planting Timeline — Apache County, AZ
Watermelon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Apache County
Growing Tips for Apache County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow after soil is warm. Plant on mounds with plenty of space. Check ripeness by looking for a yellow ground spot and dull thump when tapped.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watermelon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watermelon in Apache County, AZ?
Apache County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Watermelon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Watermelon in Apache County, AZ?
In Apache County, AZ, plant Watermelon after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Apache County, AZ for Watermelon?
Apache County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Watermelon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Watermelon grow in Apache County's climate?
Yes — Watermelon grows well in Apache County's temperate climate. Apache County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around October 10.
Your Apache County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Apache County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.