When to plant Radish in Danforth, ME
Radish planted in Danforth between April 25 and May 16 matures in 22–35 days — well before the October 7 first frost. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radish in Danforth, ME
July to-do list for Washington County, Maine
A quick July briefing for Washington County, Maine gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Kick off the fall garden with radish
Your first frost is about 10 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
Danforth, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
Danforth Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Radish 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 Danforth
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.5) is more acidic than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Washington County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Radish.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
Radish Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish 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.
Radish Planting Timeline — Danforth, ME
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Radish in Danforth
Direct sow Radish outdoors after May 09 in Washington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 151.0-day season in Washington County allows multiple plantings of Radish. Sow every 11.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Radish in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
When should I plant Radish in Danforth, ME?
In Danforth, ME, plant Radish after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Danforth, ME for Radish?
Danforth sits in USDA Zone 5b. Radish grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radish grow in Danforth's climate?
Yes — Radish grows well in Danforth's temperate climate. Danforth averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 7.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.