When to Plant Parsnip in Penobscot County, ME
Parsnips are a sweet, nutty root vegetable that develops best flavor after exposure to frost. They require a long growing season but reward patient gardeners.
Penobscot County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 842 feet, Penobscot County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Penobscot County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Penobscot County, ME
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Sep 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
100–130 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
145 days
Growing Tips for Penobscot County
Use only fresh seed as parsnip seed viability declines rapidly. Sow directly in spring in deeply worked soil. Leave roots in the ground through winter for sweetest flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Parsnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsnip in Penobscot County, ME?
Penobscot County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Penobscot County, ME?
Penobscot County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Penobscot County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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