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What can I grow here, and when?
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in Maine — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
Maine spans USDA zones 3b (Aroostook County / Fort Kent) to 6a (southern ME coast / York County). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
3b (Aroostook County / Fort Kent) to 6a (southern ME coast / York County)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Almost all Maine soils need lime — pH 4.0-5.0 is common. Aroostook County potato soils are the exception. Add compost generously every season. Short growing season in northern Maine (90-110 days) — choose short-season varieties. UMaine Extension soil testing at Orono.
Know your soil
Maine soils are thin, acidic, and rocky across most of the state. Aroostook County — The County — is the exception: deep, productive potato soils (Caribou loam) that are among the best agricultural soils in New England. Coastal and valley soils are better than interior upland soils. Nearly all Maine gardens need lime.
Map your soil type with USDA Web Soil Survey →Free soil testing
Free or low-cost soil testing available through your county Extension office
Results include specific lime and fertilizer recommendations
Most states offer testing April through fall — fees apply in winter
Results typically returned within 10 business days
Next steps
Preserve what you grow
Maine Extension offers food preservation workshops — and NWS has the full canning guides.
Food IndependenceGet the checklist
Spring prep, frost protection, soil test timing, and compost setup — timed to regional frost dates.
ME Checklists