When to Plant Tomatoes in Maine
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 2 in Lewiston and as late as May 23 in Sanford.
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.
Tomatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Lewiston | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Bangor | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 18 |
| West Scarborough | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| South Portland | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| South Portland Gardens | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Auburn | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Biddeford | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Sanford | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Saco | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Augusta | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Westbrook | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Waterville | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Brunswick | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 16 |
| York Beach | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Wells Beach Station | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Orono | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Lisbon | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 22 – May 29 |
| North Bath | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Brewer | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Presque Isle | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – May 28 |
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 tomatoes in Maine?
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 2 in Lewiston and as late as May 23 in Sanford.
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 tomatoes take to grow?
Tomatoes typically take 60–85 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.
Other Crops in Maine
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant tomatoes in other states