When to plant Winter Melon in Pike County, AR
Plant Winter Melon in Pike County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 30. Continue planting through April 20 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Pike 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.
Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 891 feet, Pike County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Pike County, AR
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Pike 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Pike County, AR?
Pike County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, AR?
Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Pike County, AR?
In Pike County, AR, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pike County, AR for Winter Melon?
Pike County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Pike County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Pike County's temperate climate. Pike County averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 10.
Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pike 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.