Honeydew Melon Planting Dates Washington

Best Planting Times for Honeydew Melons in Washington

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

Planting Conditions

Washington’s climate presents a mix of coastal and inland conditions, offering a range of USDA Hardiness Zones from 5b to 8b. Honeydew melons thrive best in warm and well-drained environments, making proper timing and protection essential for successful cultivation.

---

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

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.

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.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

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.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

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.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Washington, where the growing season can be shorter and weather unpredictable, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal honeydew melon development. Greenhouses protect plants from cool temperatures and extend the growing season significantly, allowing farmers to grow melons even when outdoor conditions are less than ideal.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your honeydew melons thrive in a controlled environment.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal honeydew melon growth in Washington, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

---

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

Average Last Frost Dates for Washington’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Seattle	April 20
Spokane	May 1
Tacoma	April 15
Vancouver	April 25
Bellevue	April 18
Kent	April 22
Everett	April 19
Richland	May 5
Yakima	May 10
Renton	April 25

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

Other Resources

Other planting guides for Washington:

Broccoli Planting in Washington

Pumpkin Planting in Washington

Tomato Planting in Washington

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

Starting Honeydew Melons Indoors

In Washington State (Zone 7), begin indoor honeydew melon seed starting between April 1 and April 30. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-May to early June once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Honeydew Seedlings

Transplant honeydew seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 1, ensuring the soil has warmed above 70°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. Washington’s variable climate may require adjustments in watering frequency depending on weather conditions.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again 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, spider mites, and powdery mildew. In Washington, damp conditions may promote fungal issues, making vigilance crucial.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect honeydew plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest honeydew melons when they are creamy yellow to gold under the stem and slightly soft to the touch. Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruiting and prevents over-mature fruits.

Facts about Honeydew Melons

Honeydew melons are sweet, juicy fruits that belong to the cantaloupe family. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and provide hydration due to their high water content. These melons typically have a smooth, pale yellow-green skin and can weigh between 4 to 8 pounds. Honeydew melons are usually in season during summer months and are often enjoyed fresh or in fruit salads.

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 organic-rich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”.
If you don’t 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 your 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 🙂