When to Plant Winter Melon in Furnas County, NE
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.
Furnas County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,056 feet, Furnas County receives approximately 28.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Furnas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Furnas County, NE
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
160 days
Growing Tips for Furnas 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 Furnas County, NE?
Furnas County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Furnas County, NE?
Furnas County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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