When to Plant Winter Melon in Cecil County, MD
Winter melon (wax gourd) is a large Asian squash with a waxy white coating that allows long storage. The mild flesh is used in soups and stir-fries.
Cecil County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 1,021 feet, Cecil County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Cecil County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Cecil County, MD
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
208 days
Growing Tips for Cecil County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early. Provide ample space for sprawling vines. Harvest when the waxy coating develops on the rind. Fruits can weigh 15-30 pounds.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Cecil County, MD?
Cecil County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cecil County, MD?
Cecil County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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