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When to plant Honeydew in Summit County, CO

Summit County's short 80-day growing season means one Honeydew planting between July 7 and July 21. No fall crop in Zone 5a.

When to Plant Honeydew in Summit County, CO

Honeydew melons have smooth, pale green rinds and sweet, light green flesh. They require a long, warm growing season and are slightly more heat-tolerant than cantaloupe.

Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.

At an elevation of 7,005 feet, Summit County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Honeydew to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Honeydew successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Summit County, CO (Zone 5a) Very short season
80 days
Last Spring Frost June 16
80 growing days
First Fall Frost September 4

Summit County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Honeydew Planting Timeline — Summit County, CO

Honeydew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors July 7 Jul 7 – Jul 21
Harvest September 29 Sep 29 – Nov 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

80 days in Summit County

Growing Tips for Summit County

Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before transplanting. Plant on raised mounds of rich soil. Harvest when the blossom end gives slightly when pressed and the skin turns creamy yellow.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Honeydew in Summit County, CO?

Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Summit County, CO?

Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.

When should I plant Honeydew in Summit County, CO?

In Summit County, CO, plant Honeydew after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Summit County, CO for Honeydew?

Summit County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Honeydew grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Honeydew grow in Summit County's climate?

Yes — Honeydew grows well in Summit County's temperate climate. Summit County averages a 80-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 4.

🌱

Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5a). 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 Summit County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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