When to plant in Augusta, ME
USDA Zone 5bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Augusta, Maine — all computed from Augusta's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 5b, Augusta gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
AUGUSTA STATE AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Augusta’s own odds, recorded at AUGUSTA STATE AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 8 | Apr 28 | Sep 24 | Oct 4 | Oct 17 |
| 32°F | May 7 | Apr 27 | Apr 15 | Oct 2 | Oct 16 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Apr 26 | Apr 15 | Apr 3 | Oct 14 | Oct 31 | Nov 12 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Augusta, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 22 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Augusta planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Augusta, ME?
On average, the last spring frost in Augusta is around April 27 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Augusta, ME?
The first fall frost in Augusta typically arrives around October 16 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Augusta in?
Augusta is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. In zone 5b, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Augusta?
Augusta has about 172 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 27) and first fall frost (October 16).
When should I plant tomatoes in Augusta?
For Augusta, sow tomatoes indoors about March 2–March 16 and move the seedlings out around May 4, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Augusta
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Augusta’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Waterville · 24 km
- Lewiston · 44 km
- Auburn · 50 km
- Brunswick · 52 km
- Westbrook · 85 km
- Portland · 86 km
- South Portland · 90 km
- Bangor · 93 km
Frost dates recorded at AUGUSTA STATE AP, 5 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Augusta, ME — Frost Dates & Zone 5b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00014605. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/maine/augusta.