When to Plant Potatoes in Maine
In Maine, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Apr 4 – Apr 18 in Lewiston to Apr 25 – May 9 in Sanford. In Portland, it's Apr 5 – Apr 19. The average last spring frost differs by about 3 weeks across the state (Apr 25 in Lewiston, May 16 in Sanford), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Plant seed potatoes a few weeks before the last frost; cover any shoots if a late frost threatens.
- Plant outside: 1–3 weeks before the last frost.
Potatoes planting dates in Maine by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 5b | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Augusta | 5b | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Bangor | 5a | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Bath | 6a | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Belfast | 5b | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Biddeford | 6a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Brewer | 5a | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Caribou | 4a | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Ellsworth | 5b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Gardiner | 5b | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Lewiston | 5b | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Old Town | 5a | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Portland | 6a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Presque Isle | 4a | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Rockland | 6a | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Saco | 6a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Sanford | 5b | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| South Portland | 6a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Waterville | 5b | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Westbrook | 5b | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Maine, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
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