Honeydew Melons

Best Planting Times for Honeydew Melons in New Hampshire

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMay 15 – June 1
Transplant OutdoorsJune 15 – June 30
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Honeydew Melon Planting Conditions

New Hampshire experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters, creating certain challenges for honeydew melon cultivation. The growing season is relatively short, necessitating careful planning of planting and harvesting times to maximize yield.

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Useful Tools for Starting Honeydew Melons 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 honeydew melons the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Honeydew Melon Seeds
Browse Honeydew Melon Seeds on Amazon

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.
Planting Trays Image
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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, a greenhouse provides protection from unexpected cold snaps and pests, allowing you to create a controlled climate for your honeydew melons. Utilizing a greenhouse can also help extend the growing season, offering warmth during the chilly nights that can affect young plants.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your honeydew melons thrive in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal honeydew melon 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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Plant honeydew melons 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 15
ManchesterMay 15
NashuaMay 20
RochesterMay 21
KeeneMay 18

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

Other planting guides for New Hampshire:

Pumpkin Planting in New Hampshire

Kale Planting in New Hampshire

Tomato Planting in New Hampshire

Any questions on growing honeydew melons? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Starting Honeydew Melons Indoors

In New Hampshire (Zone 5a), begin indoor honeydew melon seed starting between April 15 and May 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late May to early June once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Honeydew Seedlings

Transplant honeydew seedlings outdoors from June 1 to June 15, ensuring the soil has warmed above 60°F consistently. Space the seedlings 24-36 inches apart in rows with at least 48 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 vary, so monitor soil moisture regularly to prevent dryness.
  • 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 humid climate can promote these issues, so remain vigilant.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect honeydew plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest honeydew melons when they have a creamy yellow color and feel slightly soft at the blossom end. Regular harvesting promotes a healthier yield and prevents over-mature fruits.

Honeydew Melons

Honeydew melons are a sweet and juicy variety of muskmelon, known for their smooth, pale skin and green flesh. They are rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and are a refreshing summer fruit. Honeydew melons have high water content, making them a great hydrating snack. They can be enjoyed fresh, in salads, or as a dessert. Additionally, they provide essential minerals like potassium and small amounts of fiber.

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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