When to Plant Melon in Washington County, TN
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.
Washington County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 2,969 feet, Washington County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Melon during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Melon Planting Timeline — Washington County, TN
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, TN?
Washington County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, TN?
Washington County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.