Lewiston, ME Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Lewiston usually comes around May 4 and the first fall frost around Oct 13, a growing season of about 162 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6 and plant them outside May 18 – Jun 1.

Last spring frostMay 4
First fall frostOct 13
Growing season162 days

When to plant vegetables in Lewiston

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 23 – Apr 6May 18 – Jun 1—
PeppersMar 16 – Mar 30May 25 – Jun 8—
EggplantMar 16 – Mar 30May 25 – Jun 8—
Cucumbers—May 18 – Jun 1—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 18 – Jun 1—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 25 – Jun 8—
Green beans—May 18 – Jun 1Jul 21 – Aug 4
Sweet corn—May 18 – Jun 1—
BasilApr 6 – Apr 20May 18 – Jun 1—
LettuceMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 6 – May 18Aug 18 – Sep 1
Spinach—Mar 23 – Apr 13Aug 18 – Sep 1
Peas—Mar 23 – Apr 13Aug 4 – Aug 18
Carrots—Apr 6 – May 11Jul 21 – Aug 4
Radishes—Mar 30 – May 18Sep 1 – Sep 15
BroccoliFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 6 – Apr 20Jul 21 – Aug 4
KaleMar 9 – Mar 23Mar 30 – Apr 13Aug 4 – Aug 18
Onions—Apr 6 – Apr 20—
Potatoes—Apr 13 – May 11—
Garlic——Sep 29 – Nov 3

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Lewiston. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Lewiston

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Garlic
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lewiston?

The median last spring frost is May 4 and the median first fall frost is Oct 13, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Lewiston?

Start seeds indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6 and set plants outside May 18 – Jun 1, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Lewiston?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 13): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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