York Beach, ME planting zone & frost dates
York Beach is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 1 and the first fall frost around October 14, for a growing season of about 165 days.
Planting calendar for York Beach
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 1) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 19 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 14).
Useful for zone 6a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 20 | May 1 | May 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 31 | Oct 14 | Oct 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 18.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in York Beach
- 03910 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Wells Beach Station zone 6a, last frost May 9
- Sanford zone 5b, last frost May 16
- Biddeford zone 5b, last frost May 9
- Saco zone 5b, last frost May 9
- West Scarborough zone 6a, last frost Apr 26
- South Portland Gardens zone 6a, last frost Apr 26
- Westbrook zone 5b, last frost Apr 26
- South Portland zone 6a, last frost Apr 26
Questions
What growing zone is York Beach, ME?
York Beach is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in York Beach?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in York Beach is May 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in York Beach?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 8 – May 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Cape Neddick, ME (USC00171131), 6.3 km (3.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 46 m, based on 10 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.