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When to plant Winter Melon in Paulding County, GA

Spring Winter Melon in Paulding County goes in April 7–April 28, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Winter Melon in Paulding County, GA

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.

Paulding County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.

At an elevation of 299 feet, Paulding County receives approximately 56.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Winter Melon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Winter Melon root diseases.

Paulding County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
215 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
215 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Paulding County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.4

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 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Paulding County, GA

Winter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 10 Feb 10 – Feb 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 28
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 – Sep 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

215 days in Paulding County

Growing Tips for Paulding 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 Paulding County, GA?

Paulding County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Paulding County, GA?

Paulding County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 1.

When should I plant Winter Melon in Paulding County, GA?

In Paulding County, GA, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around March 31) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Paulding County, GA for Winter Melon?

Paulding 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 Paulding County's climate?

Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Paulding County's temperate climate. Paulding County averages a 215-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 31 and first frost around November 1.

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Your Paulding County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Paulding 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 Paulding County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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