When to Plant Garlic in Maine

In a typical Maine location, plant in fall Sep 12 – Sep 26. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Aug 29 in Presque Isle and as late as Sep 21 in Auburn.

Method Direct sow

Days to maturity 240–270 days

Fall-planted crop only; not planted in spring in most climates.

Garlic Planting Dates by City

City	Fall planting
Portland	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Lewiston	Sep 21 – Oct 5
Bangor	Sep 6 – Sep 20
West Scarborough	Sep 17 – Oct 1
South Portland	Sep 17 – Oct 1
South Portland Gardens	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Auburn	Sep 21 – Oct 5
Biddeford	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Sanford	Sep 2 – Sep 16
Saco	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Augusta	Sep 18 – Oct 2
Westbrook	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Waterville	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Brunswick	Sep 12 – Sep 26
York Beach	Sep 16 – Sep 30
Wells Beach Station	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Orono	Sep 8 – Sep 22
Lisbon	Sep 4 – Sep 18
North Bath	Sep 8 – Sep 22
Brewer	Sep 6 – Sep 20
Presque Isle	Aug 29 – Sep 12

Showing the 21 most populous of 21 Maine cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Maine cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant garlic in Maine?

In a typical Maine location, plant in fall Sep 12 – Sep 26. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Aug 29 in Presque Isle and as late as Sep 21 in Auburn.

When is the last frost in Maine?

The average last spring frost in Maine ranges from April 25 in Lewiston to May 16 in Sanford, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do garlic take to grow?

Garlic typically take 240–270 days from planting to harvest. Fall-planted crop only; not planted in spring in most climates.

Other Crops in Maine

When to plant garlic in other states