When to Plant Winter Melon in Brooke County, WV
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.
Brooke County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 3,251 feet, Brooke County receives approximately 47.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Brooke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Brooke County, WV
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 |
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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Brooke County
Growing Tips for Brooke 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
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Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Brooke County, WV?
Brooke County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brooke County, WV?
Brooke County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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