When to Plant Melon in Gregg County, TX
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.
Gregg County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 337 feet, Gregg County receives approximately 74.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Melon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Melon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Melon root diseases.
Gregg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 13" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Gregg County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Melon Planting Timeline — Gregg County, TX
Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Gregg County
Growing Tips for Gregg 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 Gregg County, TX?
Gregg County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gregg County, TX?
Gregg County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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