Wilton, ME frost dates
How Wilton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Wilton falls between May 3 and June 1, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 14 and October 9.
- The median last frost is 10 days later than the Maine median of May 6.
- Its 133-day growing season is longer than 7% of the 457 Maine places with a regular frost season (state median 154 days).
- The last frost is 13 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 183 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Portland, ME, 103 km away, the last frost here is 20 days later than there and the growing season is 39 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 3 |
| 50% (median) | May 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 14 |
| 50% (median) | September 26 |
| 90% (late) | October 9 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Wilton, ME
Wilton, ME frost dates — last frost May 16, first frost Sep 26, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Wilton, ME
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 18 – May 23 | Aug 1 – Aug 29 |
| Kale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| Broccoli | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Okra | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | — |
| Basil | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 11 – May 23 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 2 – May 30 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 30 – Jun 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 12 – Oct 17 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Farmington, ME weather station, 12 km away (elevation 404 ft (123 m)).
Frost dates near Wilton
- Dryden May 16 · Sep 26
- East Wilton May 16 · Sep 26
- North Jay May 11 · Sep 29
- East Dixfield May 11 · Sep 29
- Jay May 11 · Sep 29
- West Farmington May 16 · Sep 26
- Farmington May 16 · Sep 26
- Temple May 16 · Sep 26
- Farmington Falls May 7 · Oct 2
- Canton May 6 · Oct 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Wilton, ME?
The median last spring frost in Wilton, ME is May 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Wilton, ME?
The median first fall frost is September 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 14.
How long is the growing season in Wilton, ME?
About 133 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Wilton, ME?
Wilton, ME is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.