When to Plant Tomatoes in Aroostook County, ME
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Aroostook County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
Aroostook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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.
Plant Water Budget
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Aroostook County, ME
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 3b
Growing Season
129 days
Growing Tips for Aroostook County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Aroostook County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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