When to plant Winter Melon in Murray County, MN
For Murray County, gardeners: plant Winter Melon May 11 through June 1 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Murray 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.
Murray County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Murray County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Murray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Murray County, MN
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | August 17 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Murray County
Growing Tips for Murray 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Murray County, MN?
Murray County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Murray County, MN?
Murray County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Murray County, MN?
In Murray County, MN, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Murray County, MN for Winter Melon?
Murray 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 Murray County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Murray County's temperate climate. Murray County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 2.
Your Murray County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Murray 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.