When to plant Broccoli in York County, ME
For York County, gardeners: plant Broccoli April 23 through May 14 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 30 to August 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in York County, ME
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
York County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 794 feet, York County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
York County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In York County's 154-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in York County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — York County, ME
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in York County
Growing Tips for York County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in York County, ME?
York County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is York County, ME?
York County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Broccoli in York County, ME?
In York County, ME, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 7) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is York County, ME for Broccoli?
York County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli grow in York County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in York County's temperate climate. York County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 7 and first frost around October 8.
Your York County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for York 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.