Maine Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b
Annual Rainfall
35-50 inches annually
Frost Window
May-October
Water Notes
Moderate rainfall; coastal influence
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Maine's unique climate and landscape
Seaside and salt-tolerant plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Wind-resistant
- ā¢Salt spray tolerance
- ā¢Sandy soil
- ā¢Maritime plants
Woodland and conifer plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Native trees
- ā¢Spring ephemerals
- ā¢Moisture-loving plants
- ā¢Naturalistic
Alpine and subalpine plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Evergreens
- ā¢Rock gardens
- ā¢Cold hardiness
- ā¢Stone features
Traditional Maine landscapes
Key Features:
- ā¢Vegetable gardens
- ā¢Berry patches
- ā¢Hardy trees
- ā¢Practical design
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Maine's climate
White Pine Cone and Tassel
Pinus strobus
State flower; pine elements
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
State tree; tall evergreen
Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea
Native conifer
Blueberries
Vaccinium spp.
State berry; wild and cultivated
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Spring flowering shrub
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Reliable summer bloomers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Shade-loving perennials
Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Cold-hardy iris
Rosa Rugosa
Rosa rugosa
Salt-tolerant rose
Bayberry
Myrica pensylvanica
Native coastal shrub
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Coastal wildflower
Beach Grass
Ammophila breviligulata
Sand dune stabilizer
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Maine garden
Plant spring bulbs
Winter protection
Start seeds indoors
Plant cool-season crops
Plant trees and shrubs
Plant warm-season vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Maine
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