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When to plant Winter Melon in Fulton County, AR

Fulton County's climate puts the Winter Melon spring window between April 11 and May 2. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.

When to Plant Winter Melon in Fulton 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.

Fulton County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 793 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.

Fulton County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
206 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

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 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Fulton County, AR

Winter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

206 days in Fulton County

Growing Tips for Fulton 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 Fulton County, AR?

Fulton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fulton County, AR?

Fulton County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 27.

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

In Fulton County, AR, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 4) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

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

Can Winter Melon grow in Fulton County's climate?

Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Fulton County's temperate climate. Fulton County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 4 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free

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

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

Sources & credits

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