When to Plant Mitsuba in York County, ME
Your May planting checklist for York County, Maine
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for York County, Maine this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: mitsuba
- First harvests: mitsuba
Mitsuba (Japanese parsley) is a shade-loving herb with trefoil leaves and a mild celery-parsley flavor. It is essential in Japanese cuisine for soups, salads, and garnishes.
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 Mitsuba to ensure they mature before fall.
York County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in York County
How your county's soil matches Mitsuba's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.5) is more acidic than Mitsuba prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in York County is excellent for Mitsuba — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Mitsuba.
How to Plant Mitsuba
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mitsuba
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 30.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Mitsuba
Mitsuba needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mitsuba 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.
Mitsuba 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.
Mitsuba Planting Timeline — York County, ME
Mitsuba Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in York County
Growing Tips for Mitsuba in York County
Direct sow Mitsuba outdoors after May 07 in York County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Mitsuba in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow or start indoors in partial shade. Mitsuba prefers cool, moist conditions. Harvest outer stems as needed. Self-sows readily in shaded garden areas.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mitsuba in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mitsuba in York County, ME?
York County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Mitsuba 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.
Your York County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.