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What to plant this week in Portland, ME

Week of 2026-W45

With temperatures hovering around -10°F in winter, Portland area gardens are currently dormant until the average last frost date of April 21 arrives. While most outdoor beds sit still this week, keep an eye on your overwintering garlic and prepare for a quick harvest of Daikon radish as early spring approaches.

The next 7 days

Portland, ME
Today
11/3
62° 51° 💧16%
Wed
11/4
73° 50°
Thu
11/5
68° 55° 💧47%
Fri
11/6
70° 58° 💧85%
Sat
11/7
66° 55° 💧85%
Sun
11/8
57° 46° 💧35%
Mon
11/9
53° 43° 💧17%
Avg high 64°F Rain total 1.1" Humidity 79% Wind 6.7 mph
On the ground

Growing in Portland right now

  • Portland's rocky glacial till soils can freeze deeply; ensure heavy mulch is applied to protect winter bulbs from heaving.
  • Expect variable rainfall patterns typical of Maine winters, so check drainage around perennial crowns before any late snowmelt.
  • Do not attempt sowing or transplanting now as the ground remains too cold and wet for root establishment in zone 6a conditions.
In the ground

Sow this week

No direct sowing windows open this week.

Move out

Transplant this week

Nothing is due to go out this week.

Coming ripe

Harvest soon

2 crops
  • Daikon Radish
  • Garlic
Do this now

Seasonal tips

  • Apply fresh mulch now to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise.
  • Test soil pH before adding any compost or amendments for new transplants.
  • Keep a close eye on emerging seedlings to protect them from late spring fluctuations.
Keep watch

Pest & disease watch

  • Monitor garlic for winter bulb rot if heavy snowpack fails to insulate cloves during freezing spells.
  • Watch for early spring aphid activity once daytime temperatures consistently rise above 40°F near late April.
Water

Watering this week

Water deeply but less frequently now that the soil is warming up, encouraging strong root development.

One more thing

Harvest Daikon Radish promptly before the heat sets in to ensure the best crunch and flavor.

Asked locally

Portland gardening questions

3
When should I start planning my Daikon radish harvest?

Since Daikon are listed for harvest soon, check for earthy flavor and firm texture starting next week rather than waiting for full maturity.

Is it safe to transplant cool-season crops before April 21?

No, even hardy plants should wait until after the average last frost date of April 21 to prevent shock from sudden temperature swings.

How do I protect my garlic over Maine's harsh winters?

Mulch heavily with straw or leaves once the ground freezes solid to maintain a buffer against temperatures reaching -10°F.

Nearby

Other cities in zone 6a

12

Albany, NY · Syracuse, NY · Manchester, NH · Grand Rapids, MI · Ann Arbor, MI · Milwaukee, WI · Omaha, NE · Lincoln, NE · Springfield, IL · Peoria, IL · South Bend, IN · Flagstaff, AZ

See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Portland garden in SproutGuide →