When to plant Watermelon and cantaloupe in Maine

In spring, from May 1 – June 15 in Auburn to June 15 – July 1 in Sanford.

For a fall crop, from May 15 – June 1 in Bangor to June 15 – July 20 in Lewiston.

Cantaloupe (muskmelon) dates are the same as watermelon except where the table notes them.

USDA's earliest safe spring and latest safe fall planting dates, matched to each place's average frost dates.

Watermelon planting dates by place in Maine
PlaceSpringFall
AuburnMay 1 – June 15June 15 – July 20
AugustaMay 15 – June 15June 15 – July 20
BangorMay 15 – June 15May 15 – June 1
BiddefordJune 1 – 15May 15 – June 1
LewistonMay 1 – June 15June 15 – July 20
PortlandMay 15 – June 15June 1 – 15
SacoMay 15 – June 15June 1 – 15
SanfordJune 15 – July 1Cantaloupe (muskmelon): not listedMay 15 – June 1
South PortlandMay 15 – June 15June 1 – 15
WatervilleMay 15 – June 15June 1 – 15
WestbrookMay 15 – June 15June 1 – 15

Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), tables 4 and 5. Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. The full USDA table for watermelon.

Updated