When to plant Melon in Stone County, MO
Stone County's spring Melon window runs April 23 through May 14. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Melon in Stone 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.
Stone County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,310 feet, Stone County receives approximately 40.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Melon during the growing season.
Stone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Melon Planting Timeline — Stone County, MO
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Stone County
Growing Tips for Stone 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
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Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Melon in Stone County, MO?
Stone County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stone County, MO?
Stone County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Melon in Stone County, MO?
In Stone County, MO, plant Melon after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stone County, MO for Melon?
Stone County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Melon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Melon grow in Stone County's climate?
Yes — Melon grows well in Stone County's temperate climate. Stone County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 20.
Your Stone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stone County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.