Blog

When to plant Winter Melon in Cleburne County, AR

Cleburne County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Plant Winter Melon between April 4 (after last frost on March 28) and April 25.

When to Plant Winter Melon in Cleburne County, AR

Winter melon (wax gourd) is a large Asian squash with a waxy white coating that allows long storage. The mild flesh is used in soups and stir-fries.

Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 1,207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.

Cleburne County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Cleburne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Winter Melon

Winter Melon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Winter Melon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cleburne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Cleburne County, AR

Winter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Aug 29

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

219 days in Cleburne County

Growing Tips for Cleburne County

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early. Provide ample space for sprawling vines. Harvest when the waxy coating develops on the rind. Fruits can weigh 15-30 pounds.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Winter Melon in Cleburne County, AR?

Cleburne County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cleburne County, AR?

Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

When should I plant Winter Melon in Cleburne County, AR?

In Cleburne County, AR, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cleburne County, AR for Winter Melon?

Cleburne County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Winter Melon grow in Cleburne County's climate?

Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Cleburne County's temperate climate. Cleburne County averages a 219-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 2.

🌱

Your Cleburne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cleburne County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cleburne County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.