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When to plant Winter Melon in Faribault County County,

For Faribault County County, gardeners: plant Winter Melon May 7 through May 28 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Winter Melon in Faribault County, MN

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.

Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 506 feet, Faribault County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.

Faribault County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4
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Faribault County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Faribault County, MN

Winter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 – May 28
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 – Oct 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December
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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 5a

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Faribault County

Growing Tips for Faribault 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 Faribault County, MN?

Faribault County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Faribault County, MN?

Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 4.

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

In Faribault County County, , plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

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

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

Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Faribault County County's temperate climate. Faribault County County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 4.

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Your Faribault County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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