When to Plant Watermelon in New Hampshire
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Apr 5 – Apr 12, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 5 in Salem and as late as May 28 in Berlin.
Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Watermelon Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Nashua | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Concord | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 |
| East Concord | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Derry Village | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Dover | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Rochester | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Salem | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Merrimack | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Keene | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Derry | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Portsmouth | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Bedford | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Laconia | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Lebanon | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Windham | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Claremont | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Pelham | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Somersworth | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Londonderry | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Durham | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Hampton | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Berlin | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Exeter | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
Showing the 24 most populous of 24 New Hampshire cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New Hampshire cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant watermelon in New Hampshire?
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Apr 5 – Apr 12, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 5 in Salem and as late as May 28 in Berlin.
When is the last frost in New Hampshire?
The average last spring frost in New Hampshire ranges from April 21 in Salem to May 14 in Berlin, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do watermelon take to grow?
Watermelon typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Other Crops in New Hampshire
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant watermelon in other states