When to plant Melon in La Plata County, CO
La Plata County's short 113-day growing season means one Melon planting between June 7 and June 28. No fall crop in Zone 6a.
When to Plant Melon in La Plata County, CO
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.
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,246 feet, La Plata County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Melon to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Melon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
La Plata County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Melon Planting Timeline — La Plata County, CO
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
| Direct Sow | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 28 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Oct 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
113 days in La Plata County
Growing Tips for La Plata 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Melon in La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Melon in La Plata County, CO?
In La Plata County, CO, plant Melon after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is La Plata County, CO for Melon?
La Plata County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Melon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Melon grow in La Plata County's climate?
Yes — Melon grows well in La Plata County's temperate climate. La Plata County averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 21.
Your La Plata County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for La Plata County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.