MAINE, USA — The growing season has begun for some parts of Maine, but we still aren't out of the frosty woods just yet.
The last frost will depend on where you live. Along the coast, we normally see the final frost of the season in early May. Most of the state has to wait until mid May before plants can be brought outside. Last but not least, the upper portions of the state have until late May to risk frost outside.
Why does this matter? It affects the beginning of the growing season because frost can hurt plants that are outside.
More specifically, we have different average dates depending on where you live in these areas. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County compiled a list of dates for the average last frost in several towns. Things like elevation also change your final frost forecast.
Here's the question: How are we seeing frost when temperatures are still above freezing in most places?
The air temperature that we see on our phones and computers is taken about five feet off the ground. This is to minimize the influence that the ground's temperature plays on the air temperature.
That means air temperatures can remain above freezing, while even colder air sinks to the ground and can go below 32 degrees.
We still have a little bit longer before we are done with frost for the season. It depends on where you live and many other factors, but most should be good to set the plants outside by the end of the month.
- Aaron