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Portland, ME Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Portland usually comes around Apr 23 and the first fall frost around Nov 2, a growing season of about 193 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 12 – Mar 26 and plant them outside May 7 – May 21.

Last spring frostApr 23
First fall frostNov 2
Growing season193 days

When to plant vegetables in Portland

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 12 – Mar 26May 7 – May 21—
PeppersMar 5 – Mar 19May 14 – May 28—
EggplantMar 5 – Mar 19May 14 – May 28—
Cucumbers—May 7 – May 21—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 7 – May 21—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 14 – May 28—
Green beans—May 7 – May 21Aug 10 – Aug 24
Sweet corn—May 7 – May 21—
BasilMar 26 – Apr 9May 7 – May 21—
LettuceFeb 26 – Mar 12Mar 26 – May 7Sep 7 – Sep 21
Spinach—Mar 12 – Apr 2Sep 7 – Sep 21
Peas—Mar 12 – Apr 2Aug 24 – Sep 7
Carrots—Mar 26 – Apr 30Aug 10 – Aug 24
Radishes—Mar 19 – May 7Sep 21 – Oct 5
BroccoliFeb 12 – Feb 26Mar 26 – Apr 9Aug 10 – Aug 24
KaleFeb 26 – Mar 12Mar 19 – Apr 2Aug 24 – Sep 7
Onions—Mar 26 – Apr 9—
Potatoes—Apr 2 – Apr 30—
Garlic——Oct 19 – Nov 23

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

Month-by-month planting in Portland

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  4. AprilStart indoors: 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, Radishes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Portland?

The median last spring frost is Apr 23 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Portland?

Start seeds indoors Mar 12 – Mar 26 and set plants outside May 7 – May 21, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Portland?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 2): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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