Cantaloupe

Best Planting Times

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMay 1 – June 1
Transplant OutdoorsJune 15 – July 1
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Cantaloupe Planting Conditions

New Hampshire’s climate has a short growing season characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Planting cantaloupes requires an understanding of local frost dates and careful attention to soil warming for successful cultivation.

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Useful Tools for Starting Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your cantaloupes the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Cantaloupe Seeds
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Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In New Hampshire, where the growing season can be limited, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for cantaloupes, allowing you to extend the growing season and protect plants from unpredictable weather. A greenhouse ensures consistent temperatures and humidity for optimal growth throughout the year.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your cantaloupes thrive in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

For optimal cantaloupe growth in New Hampshire, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
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Other planting guides for New Hampshire:

Pumpkin Planting in New Hampshire

Broccoli Planting in New Hampshire

Kale Planting in New Hampshire

Any questions on how to grow? Visit our forum to discuss: Forum.

Plant cantaloupes outdoors in New Hampshire approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for New Hampshire’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
ConcordMay 10
ManchesterMay 9
NashuaMay 8
PortsmouthMay 15
DerryMay 12

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

Starting Indoors

In areas like Concord (Zone 5b), begin seeds indoors between May 1 and June 1. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-June to early July once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from June 15 to July 1, ensuring the soil has warmed above 60°F consistently. Space the seedlings 12-24 inches apart in rows with at least 36 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. New Hampshire’s climate can be humid, but regular watering helps during drier spells.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and when the first fruits start forming. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. New Hampshire’s climate can favor certain pests, so vigilance is essential.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect cucumber plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size and color. Regular harvesting promotes continuous fruiting and prevents over-mature fruits.

Cantaloupe Facts

  • Cantaloupes are a type of muskmelon and belong to the Cucurbitaceae family.
  • They have a sweet and juicy flesh, often orange or green in color.
  • Cantaloupes are rich in vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious choice.
  • The fruit is about 90% water, making it great for hydration.
  • Cantaloupes grow best in warm climates and require full sunlight.

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.


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 🙂

BeeJay
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