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Can You Grow Watermelon in New Jersey?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a

Grows well here

Watermelons thrive here — they love the long warm season your zone provides.

Plant zones

4b–11b

New Jersey last frost

mid-March

New Jersey first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in New Jersey

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 24 – Jun 13

Dates are approximate, based on New Jersey's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Watermelon

Watermelons love heat space and sun — they are a rewarding crop but need a long warm season.

Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant carefully — watermelons hate root disturbance. Give them maximum space. Use black plastic mulch to warm soil. Choose icebox varieties for containers.

Full watermelon growing guide →

Gardening in New Jersey

New Jersey has a humid subtropical to continental climate. South Jersey is Zone 7a; North Jersey is Zone 6a-6b. Known for its produce farming — tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries.

See what grows well in New Jersey →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Watermelon in New Jersey?

Watermelons thrive here — they love the long warm season your zone provides.

What zone is New Jersey?

New Jersey spans USDA Zone 6b (6a, 6b, 7a).

When do you plant Watermelons in New Jersey?

Plant Watermelons around mid-March (start indoors Feb 14), harvest May 24 – Jun 13.