When to plant watermelon in zone 5a
A planting schedule for watermelon in USDA hardiness zone 5a, where the typical last spring frost is around May 4, 2026 and the first fall frost around Oct 6, 2026. Dates are computed from NOAA frost normals for a representative location (Mexico, ME) — your exact dates depend on your address.
Watermelon planting schedule for zone 5a
- Start seeds indoorsApr 24, 2026 – Aug 7, 2026
- Start hardening offMay 8, 2026 – Aug 21, 2026
- Transplant outdoorsMay 22, 2026 – Aug 28, 2026
Playing it safe with tender crops? Spring frost holds off until about May 15, 2026 in roughly 9 years out of 10.
Zone 5a covers a lot of ground. Enter your ZIP for watermelon dates worked out from your nearest weather station:
Free on one garden — no credit card. See the full watermelon growing guide or the whole zone 5a calendar.
Watermelon in other zones
More crops for zone 5a
Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for a representative location (Mexico, ME) in zone 5a; your exact dates depend on your address. Schedules are guidance, not guarantees.