When to Plant Winter Melon in Jefferson 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.
Jefferson County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 727 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 22 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, NE
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, NE?
Jefferson County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, NE?
Jefferson County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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