Honeydew Melon Planting Arkansas

Best Planting Times for Honeydew Melon in Arkansas

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	April 1 – May 1
	Transplant Outdoors	May 15 – June 1
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Arkansas features a humid subtropical climate, ideal for growing honeydew melons. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6a to 8a, the state enjoys warm summers and mild winters, making it suitable for sweet, juicy melons.

---

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Useful Tools for Starting Honeydew Melons Indoors

Utilizing appropriate tools will enhance your success rate when growing honeydew melons.

Seeds

High-quality seeds are crucial for achieving robust growth and excellent fruit flavor. Choose reputable sources for the best results.

Browse Honeydew Melon Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays are essential for organizing your honeydew melons seedlings, providing them ample space for growth before transplanting.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are necessary for indoor planting, ensuring seedlings receive adequate light for fast growth, especially when sunlight is limited.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Opt for specialized seed starting soil to promote quick root establishment and healthy growth in your honeydew plants.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Arkansas, where summer temperatures can soar, a greenhouse protects honeydew melons from excessive heat while allowing for sunlight and moisture control. It helps maintain an optimal growing environment year-round, leading to healthier plants and extended growing seasons.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to maximize your cultivation success.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal honeydew melon growth in Arkansas, using fertilizer will significantly enhance soil nutrients and ensure vigorous growth and bountiful yields.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

---

Honeydew melons are best planted outdoors in Arkansas approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost, ensuring the soil temperature is conducive to growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Arkansas’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Little Rock	April 15
Fort Smith	April 10
Fayetteville	April 15
Jonesboro	April 10
Bentonville	April 15

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adjust planting accordingly.

Other planting guides for Arkansas:

Kale Planting in Arkansas

Broccoli Planting in Arkansas

Pumpkin Planting in Arkansas

Tomato Planting in Arkansas

Any questions on growing honeydew melons? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Honeydew Melons.

Starting Honeydew Melon Indoors

In Arkansas (Zone 7), begin indoor honeydew melon seed starting between March 15 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late April to early May once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Honeydew Melon Seedlings

Transplant honeydew melon seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil has warmed above 65°F consistently. Space the seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows with at least 36-48 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Arkansas’ warm climate requires regular watering to ensure melons do not become stressed.

• • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, which can lead to various fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• • Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting and again when the first fruits begin to form. Adding compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• • Regularly monitor for pests such as aphids, melon worms, and powdery mildew. Arkansas’ humidity can increase disease risk, so proactive management is important.

• • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to safeguard honeydew melon plants from potential threats.

Harvesting

• • Harvest honeydew melons when they reach a creamy yellow color and yield slightly to pressure. Regular harvesting encourages further fruiting and prevents overripening.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

https://youtube.com/shorts/vI7ztOslw3U?si=5xulPGrMwtxUTJ_3

In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂