Bethel 6 SSE, ME Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Bethel 6 SSE garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 6
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Oct 2
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
149 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 5b
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost Apr 27 May 6 May 19
First fall frost Oct 19 Oct 2 Sep 20
Hard freeze (28°F), median last Apr 25 · first Oct 17

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the BETHEL 6 SSE station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Bethel 6 SSE

Computed from Bethel 6 SSE's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-5 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 11 – Mar 25 May 13 – May 20
🫑 Peppers Feb 25 – Mar 11 May 20 – May 27
🥬 Lettuce Mar 25 – Apr 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22 Apr 8 – May 6
🫛 Peas Mar 25 – Apr 8
🥕 Carrots Apr 15 – May 6
🥦 Broccoli Mar 18 – Apr 1 Apr 15 – Apr 29
🥬 Kale Mar 25 – Apr 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22 Apr 8 – Apr 22
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 8 – Apr 15 May 13 – May 20 May 13 – May 20
🥒 Zucchini Apr 8 – Apr 15 May 13 – May 20 May 13 – May 20
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 13 – May 20
🌽 Sweet Corn May 13 – May 20
🌿 Basil Mar 25 – Apr 8 May 13 – May 20 May 20 – May 27
🧄 Garlic Fall: Aug 21 – Sep 18

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Bethel 6 SSE's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Bethel 6 SSE

At about 149 frost-free days, Bethel 6 SSE rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Bethel 6 SSE, ME?

The average last spring frost in Bethel 6 SSE is around May 6, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Bethel 6 SSE, ME?

The average first fall frost in Bethel 6 SSE arrives around Oct 2. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Bethel 6 SSE?

About 149 frost-free days on average, from May 6 to Oct 2. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is Bethel 6 SSE in?

USDA zone 5b on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.