When to plant Shallot in Waldo County, ME
For Waldo County, gardeners: plant Shallot April 24 through May 15 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Waldo County, ME
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Waldo 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 966 feet, Waldo County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Waldo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot Planting Timeline — Waldo County, ME
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Waldo County
Growing Tips for Waldo County
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waldo County, ME?
Waldo 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 Shallot in Waldo County, ME?
In Waldo County, ME, plant Shallot 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 Waldo County, ME for Shallot?
Waldo County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Waldo County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Waldo County's temperate climate. Waldo County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Waldo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Waldo 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.