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When to Plant Cantaloupe in Terry County, TX

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a sweet, aromatic melon with salmon-colored flesh and a netted rind. It requires a long, warm growing season and is the quintessential summer fruit.

Terry County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.

At an elevation of 4,751 feet, Terry County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Cantaloupe may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cantaloupe will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Terry County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
215 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
215 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Terry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cantaloupe Planting Timeline — Terry County, TX

Cantaloupe Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 – May 11
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Aug 10

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

215 days in Terry County

Growing Tips for Terry County

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow on warm mounds. Reduce watering as fruits ripen. Harvest when stem slips easily from the fruit with gentle pressure.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cantaloupe in Terry County, TX?

Terry County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cantaloupe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Terry County, TX?

Terry County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 7.

🌱

Your Terry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Terry County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Terry County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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