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When to plant Honeydew in Davis County, IA

In Davis County, Honeydew is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 10–May 24 for an 80–110-day harvest, finishing well before the October 16 first frost.

When to Plant Honeydew in Davis County, IA

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.

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Honeydew during the growing season.

Davis County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Davis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Honeydew Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA

Honeydew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 – Sep 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

180 days in Davis County

Growing Tips for Davis 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 Davis County, IA?

Davis County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Davis County, IA?

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Honeydew in Davis County, IA?

In Davis County, IA, plant Honeydew after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Davis County, IA for Honeydew?

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

Can Honeydew grow in Davis County's climate?

Yes — Honeydew grows well in Davis County's temperate climate. Davis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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