When to Plant Winter Melon in Rockland County, NY
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.
Rockland County, New York is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 746 feet, Rockland County receives approximately 43.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Rockland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Rockland County, NY
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
228 days
Growing Tips for Rockland 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 Rockland County, NY?
Rockland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rockland County, NY?
Rockland County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Rockland County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.