When to plant Watermelon in Bourbon County, KS
For Watermelon in Bourbon County, the safe spring window opens around April 15 and closes around May 6. Last expected frost is April 8, first fall frost October 25, giving a 200-day growing season.
When to Plant Watermelon in Bourbon County, KS
Watermelon is a sprawling vine crop that produces sweet, juicy fruits in hot weather. Varieties range from personal-sized icebox types to 50-pound giants.
Bourbon County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 438 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Watermelon during the growing season.
Bourbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Watermelon to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 4 watermelon plants in about 8 sq ft. In Bourbon County's 200-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Watermelon
Watermelon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watermelon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bourbon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watermelon Planting Timeline — Bourbon County, KS
Watermelon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 |
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 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Bourbon County
Growing Tips for Bourbon County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow after soil is warm. Plant on mounds with plenty of space. Check ripeness by looking for a yellow ground spot and dull thump when tapped.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watermelon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watermelon in Bourbon County, KS?
Bourbon County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Watermelon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bourbon County, KS?
Bourbon County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Watermelon in Bourbon County, KS?
In Bourbon County, KS, plant Watermelon after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bourbon County, KS for Watermelon?
Bourbon County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Watermelon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Watermelon grow in Bourbon County's climate?
Yes — Watermelon grows well in Bourbon County's temperate climate. Bourbon County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 25.
Your Bourbon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bourbon County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.