One of the first steps you take when you are estimating your gardening schedule is find your USDA Zone info. The most important data that the zone info tells us is average last frost and the lowest expected temperature for your area.

A common way of estimating when to plant balsam is to use the USDA zone info for Presque Isle.

Planting Calendar for Balsam

Frost tolerance for balsam:	Not tolerant of frost.
When to plant:	After the last frost has passed.

Balsam require warm weather which means that it is necessary to wait until it warms up after all chance of frost has passed before you can plant them.

The earliest that you can plant balsam in Presque Isle is May. However, you really should wait until June if you don't want to take any chances.

The last month that you can plant balsam and expect a good harvest is probably August. Any later than that and your balsam may not have a chance to really do well. You can get started a few weeks earlier by starting your balsam indoors.

Last Frost Date

The average date of last frost is May 15 in Presque Isle. In the coldest months of winter you can expect an average low temperature of -30°F.

Just be sure to remember that USDA zone info for Presque Isle is just an average and the actual date of last frost can change quite a bit from year to year. Since half of the time in Presque Isle there is a last frost after May 15 be ready to cover your balsam if you have one of those late frosts.

USDA Zone Info for Presque Isle

Here is the info for USDA Zone 4a.

Average Date of Last Frost (spring)	May 15
Average Date of First Frost (fall)	September 15
Lowest Expected Low	-30°F
Highest Expected Low	-25°F

This means that on a really cold year, the coldest it will get is -30°F. On most years you should be prepared to experience lows near -25°F.

Plants to Grow in Presque Isle

You may be interested in your other planting guides for Presque Isle.