When to plant Melon in Crawford County, MO
Aim to plant Melon in Crawford County on or after April 16; the window stays open through May 7. Crawford County's 201-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Melon in Crawford County, MO
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.
Crawford County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 942 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 30.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Melon during the growing season.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Crawford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Melon Planting Timeline — Crawford County, MO
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 20 |
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 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Crawford County
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 Crawford County, MO?
Crawford County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, MO?
Crawford County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Melon in Crawford County, MO?
In Crawford County, MO, plant Melon after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crawford County, MO for Melon?
Crawford County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Melon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Melon grow in Crawford County's climate?
Yes — Melon grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 27.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.