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When to plant Winter Melon in Perry County County,

Plant Winter Melon in Perry County County from April 29 to May 20 in spring. Perry County County sits in USDA Zone 7a, with last frost around April 22 and first frost on October 20.

When to Plant Winter Melon in Perry County, KY

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.

Perry County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 3,675 feet, Perry County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.

Perry County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

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 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Perry County, KY

Winter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
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

MonthActivities
January
February
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Perry 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 Perry County, KY?

Perry County is in Zone 7a 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 Perry County, KY?

Perry County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Winter Melon in Perry County County, ?

In Perry County County, , plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County County, for Winter Melon?

Perry County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Winter Melon grow in Perry County County's climate?

Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Perry County County's temperate climate. Perry County County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 20.

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Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry 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.

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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 Perry County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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