When to plant Potatoes in Androscoggin County, ME
The best window to plant Potatoes in Androscoggin County, is May 15–June 5, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 8; first frost October 6.
When to Plant Potatoes in Androscoggin County, ME
Your August planting checklist for Androscoggin County, Maine
August is a pivotal month for Androscoggin County, Maine gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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It's harvest week for potatoes
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
September prep starts now
- First harvests: potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,087 feet, Androscoggin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Androscoggin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Potatoes 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.
Soil Compatibility in Androscoggin County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.4) is within Potatoes's preferred range (5.0–6.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Androscoggin County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 08 to harvest before frost.
Potatoes Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Potatoes
Potatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Potatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Androscoggin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Potatoes Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Androscoggin County, ME
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Androscoggin County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Androscoggin County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after May 08 in Androscoggin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Potatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 4 inches deep in spring. Hill soil around stems as plants grow to prevent greening. Stop watering when plants die back.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Potatoes in Androscoggin County, ME?
In Androscoggin County, ME, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Androscoggin County, ME for Potatoes?
Androscoggin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Potatoes grow in Androscoggin County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Androscoggin County's temperate climate. Androscoggin County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Androscoggin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Androscoggin County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.