When to plant Winter Melon in Lake County, IN
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Winter Melon between April 29 (after last frost on April 22) and May 20.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Lake County, IN
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.
Lake County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,276 feet, Lake County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Lake County, IN
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lake 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
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Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Lake County, IN?
Lake County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, IN?
Lake County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Lake County, IN?
In Lake County, IN, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, IN for Winter Melon?
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Lake County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 26.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake 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.