Early Spring Gardening in Greater Portland:

As the snow melts and the first hints of warmth touch the air, gardeners in Greater Portland are itching to get their hands in the soil. Early spring is a fantastic time to prepare your garden for the growing season, but it's essential to consider the unique climate and weather conditions of this region. With its USDA Hardiness Zone 5b to 6a, gardeners in the Greater Portland area must navigate late frosts, unpredictable weather, and a short growing season. But don't let that stop you—there’s plenty you can do in early spring to set the stage for a fruitful gardening season.

Here’s everything you need to know about early spring gardening in Greater Portland, including which vegetables to sow, which annuals and perennials to plant, and which varieties should wait until the danger of frost has passed. For additional information, or where to purchase all your garden supplies, look no further than O’Donals in Scarborough; Skillins Greenhouses in Falmouth, Cumberland and Brunswick; or one of my personal favorites, Broadway Gardens in South Portland.

Understanding Your USDA Hardiness Zone

Greater Portland falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 5b (average annual minimum temperature of -15 to -10°F) and 6a (average annual minimum temperature of -10 to -5°F). This means that the growing season is relatively short, typically lasting from late May to October. With this in mind, early spring gardening is all about maximizing that short window while still protecting plants from the unpredictable frost.

Preparing Your Garden for Spring

Before diving into planting, it's important to prepare your garden bed. In early spring, the soil can be wet or frozen, so wait until the soil is dry enough to work with. If your garden bed is soggy, resist the urge to till, as this can compact the soil. Instead, focus on creating raised beds or using a garden fork to loosen the soil once it’s dry enough.

You can also start by adding organic matter like compost to enrich your soil. The nutrients will give your plants a healthy start once they’re in the ground.

Garden Vegetables to Sow Outdoors in Early Spring

Despite the chilly temperatures, several hardy vegetables can be sown outdoors in early spring, especially those that can tolerate a light frost. Here are some varieties that thrive in the cooler weather of Greater Portland:

• Peas: These cool-weather crops can be direct-seeded as soon as the ground is workable. Varieties like ‘Sugar Snap’ and ‘Little Marvel’ grow well in early spring, as they enjoy the cool temperatures and will mature before the summer heat arrives.

• Spinach: Spinach is another great vegetable to sow early. It thrives in cooler temperatures and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. Varieties like ‘Winter Bloomsdale’ or ‘Space’ can withstand a little frost.

• Radishes: Radishes are incredibly quick-growing and can be sown early. They enjoy the cool temperatures of spring and can be harvested in just a few weeks. Try varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast.’

• Lettuce: Lettuce varieties such as ‘Butterhead,’ ‘Romaine,’ and ‘Leaf Lettuce’ can be planted as soon as the ground is workable. They thrive in cool spring temperatures and can withstand light frost.

• Carrots: Early spring is a good time to sow carrots, especially varieties like ‘Danvers 126’ or ‘Nantes.’ Just be sure the soil is loose and well-draining for optimal growth.

• Kale: Kale can be direct-seeded outdoors in early spring. It can handle frost and is a great addition to any early spring garden. Try varieties like ‘Winterbor’ or ‘Lacinato.’

Annuals to Plant After the Last Frost

While some vegetables can be planted early, many annuals are sensitive to frost and should wait until the danger of frost has passed. In Greater Portland, the average last frost date typically occurs around mid-to-late May. Here are some annuals that should be planted after the last frost:

• Tomatoes: These tender plants love the warmth and should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. Varieties like ‘Roma,’ ‘Early Girl,’ or ‘Sungold’ can be started indoors and transplanted outdoors once the temperatures warm up.

• Peppers: Like tomatoes, peppers are sensitive to frost. Wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F before planting peppers like ‘Bell,’ ‘Jalapeño,’ or ‘Cayenne.’

• Basil: This fragrant herb also needs warmth to thrive, so wait until after the last frost to plant it. Basil can be grown in containers or directly in the garden.

• Zinnias and Marigolds: These colorful annuals should be planted after the last frost date. They love the sun and will provide vibrant blooms throughout the summer.

Perennials to Plant in Early Spring

Many perennials can be planted in early spring once the soil is workable. These hardy plants will return year after year, making them a great investment for your garden. Some of the best perennials for early spring planting in Greater Portland include:

• Hostas: Hostas are known for their lush foliage and thrive in the shade. Planting them early gives them a head start before the heat of summer.

• Astilbes: These shade-loving plants with feathery, colorful blooms can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. Astilbes come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white.

• Bleeding Heart (Dicentra): This perennial is well-suited for the cool spring climate. It produces beautiful, heart-shaped flowers and can be planted early in the season.

• Daylilies: These hardy perennials can be planted early in the season. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and produce bright, colorful flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

What to Hold Off On

While it’s tempting to plant everything once the weather starts warming, there are a few varieties that should wait until the last frost is definitely behind you. These include:

• Cucumbers: Tender and frost-sensitive, cucumbers should be planted in late May or early June.

• Beans: Both bush and pole beans are frost-sensitive, so they should be sown after the last frost date.

• Squash and Zucchini: Like cucumbers, squash and zucchini are tender annuals that should wait until the temperatures consistently warm up.

• Annual flowers like petunias and impatiens: These should also be planted after the last frost to ensure they don’t get damaged.

Final Tips for Early Spring Gardening in Greater Portland

• Frost protection: Even though some crops can handle light frosts, it’s a good idea to be prepared to protect your plants during sudden cold snaps. Row covers, cloches, and cold frames can help protect seedlings from late-season frost.

• Start indoors: For plants that need warmer temperatures, start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors when it’s safe to do so.

• Plan for succession planting: As your early spring crops mature, you can sow new rounds of vegetables like beans, corn, or summer squash, maximizing your growing space.

Conclusion

Early spring gardening in Greater Portland may come with its challenges, but the rewards are well worth it. By understanding your hardiness zone, planting cold-hardy vegetables early, and waiting for warmer temperatures for frost-sensitive varieties, you can create a thriving garden that provides fresh produce and vibrant flowers all season long. So, grab your gardening gloves, gather your seeds, and enjoy the process of watching your garden come to life!