Melon plants are annual vining plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. They produce large, round or oval fruits that are edible and have a sweet, juicy flesh. Melon plants require a long growing season and warm temperatures, and they are typically grown in well-drained, sandy soils. The fruits can be harvested when they are ripe, usually when they have a strong aroma and the skin has turned yellow or orange.
Planning Your Garden With Melons
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Melons are annual plants. |
| USDA Zone | Melons are typically grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Melons are generally considered to be cold-sensitive, and can only tolerature temperatures as low as 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for melons depends on the variety of melon being grown. Generally, melons take between 60 and 90 days to reach maturity. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown melon plant is about 3 to 4 feet in height and width. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing melons depends on the variety of melon being grown. Generally, melons need to be spaced between 3-6 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Melons prefer full sun and need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce a good crop. If the temperature gets too hot, however, they may need some shade during the hottest part of the day. |
| Shade tolerance | Melons require full sun to grow and thrive, so they have a low shade tolerance. |
| Water requirements | Melons require well-drained soil and regular, consistent watering. The ideal water requirement for growing melons is 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Watering should be done early in the day, so that the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall. The soil should also be kept moist but not soggy. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing melons depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. If you are using a liquid fertilizer, use 1/2 cup per 10 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing melons is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Melons are Popular
People like to grow melons because they are fun and rewarding to grow, they are full of flavor and nutrition, and they can be used in a variety of recipes. Melons also have a long growing season, so they can provide a steady supply of fresh fruits throughout the summer.
Companion Plants For Melons
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for melons include:
Common Pests For Melons
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow melons, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- cucumber beetles
- squash bugs
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
