When to plant Melon in Moultrie County, IL
Plant Melon in Moultrie County from April 21 to May 12 in spring. Moultrie County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around April 14 and first frost on October 17.
When to Plant Melon in Moultrie County, IL
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.
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 596 feet, Moultrie County receives approximately 30 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Moultrie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Melon Planting Timeline — Moultrie County, IL
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Moultrie County
Growing Tips for Moultrie 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 Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Melon in Moultrie County, IL?
In Moultrie County, IL, plant Melon after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Moultrie County, IL for Melon?
Moultrie 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 Moultrie County's climate?
Yes — Melon grows well in Moultrie County's temperate climate. Moultrie County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Moultrie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Moultrie 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.