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When to plant Melon in Garland County, AR

The best window to plant Melon in Garland County, is April 2–April 23, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 26; first frost November 6.

When to Plant Melon in Garland County, AR

Melons are warm-season vine crops that produce sweet, juicy fruits in many varieties including muskmelon and honeydew. They need a long, hot growing season.

Garland County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.

At an elevation of 492 feet, Garland County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Melon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Melon root diseases.

Garland County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
225 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
225 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Garland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Melon Planting Timeline — Garland County, AR

Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

225 days in Garland County

Growing Tips for Garland County

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Plant on raised mounds of compost-enriched soil. Reduce watering as fruits ripen to concentrate sweetness.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Cucumber

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Melon in Garland County, AR?

Garland County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Garland County, AR?

Garland County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Melon in Garland County, AR?

In Garland County, AR, plant Melon after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Garland County, AR for Melon?

Garland County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Melon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Melon grow in Garland County's climate?

Yes — Melon grows well in Garland County's temperate climate. Garland County averages a 225-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 6.

🌱

Your Garland County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Garland County (Zone 8a). 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 Garland County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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