When to plant Melon in Gentry County, MO
Aim to plant Melon in Gentry County on or after April 26; the window stays open through May 17. Gentry County's 179-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option.
When to Plant Melon in Gentry County, MO
What to do in June
Each item below is timed to Gentry County, Missouri's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Gentry County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 702 feet, Gentry County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Melon during the growing season.
Gentry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Gentry County
How your county's soil matches Melon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Melon's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Gentry County is excellent for Melon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Melon.
How to Plant Melon
Succession Planting Melon
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 07 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Gentry 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 — Gentry County, MO
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Gentry County
Growing Tips for Melon in Gentry County
Direct sow Melon outdoors after April 19 in Gentry 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 Gentry County, MO?
Gentry County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gentry County, MO?
Gentry County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Melon in Gentry County, MO?
In Gentry County, MO, plant Melon after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gentry County, MO for Melon?
Gentry County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Melon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Melon grow in Gentry County's climate?
Yes — Melon grows well in Gentry County's temperate climate. Gentry County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 15.
Your Gentry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gentry County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.