When to plant Melon in Dukes County, MA
Aim to plant Melon in Dukes County on or after May 2; the window stays open through May 23. Dukes County's 177-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option.
When to Plant Melon in Dukes County, MA
Your June game plan for Dukes County, Massachusetts
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: melon
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.
Dukes County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 676 feet, Dukes County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Melon during the growing season.
Dukes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Melon Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Dukes County
How your county's soil matches Melon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Melon prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dukes County is excellent for Melon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Melon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Melon.
How to Plant Melon
Succession Planting Melon
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 11 to harvest before frost.
Melon Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Melon
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 | Melon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dukes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Melon Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Melon Planting Timeline — Dukes County, MA
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Dukes County
Growing Tips for Melon in Dukes County
Direct sow Melon outdoors after April 25 in Dukes County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Melon in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Dukes County, MA?
Dukes County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dukes County, MA?
Dukes County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Melon in Dukes County, MA?
In Dukes County, MA, plant Melon after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dukes County, MA for Melon?
Dukes County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Melon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Melon grow in Dukes County's climate?
Yes — Melon grows well in Dukes County's temperate climate. Dukes County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 19.
Your Dukes County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dukes County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.