A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Garden at Home

For those living in Bar Harbor, gardening offers more than just a relaxing hobby—it’s a way to connect with the unique natural environment of coastal Maine. Whether you’re planting herbs, vegetables, or ornamentals, gardening in this region comes with distinct advantages and challenges. The area’s rich soil, fresh sea air, and defined seasons create a dynamic setting for home gardeners who want to enhance their outdoor spaces and cultivate something truly their own.

This guide offers practical advice tailored to beginners and those new to Bar Harbor, helping you establish a successful garden that fits the local landscape and your lifestyle.

Bar Harbor falls within USDA hardiness zone 5b, meaning you’ll need to select plants that can tolerate cooler temperatures, especially during the winter and early spring. Growing seasons here tend to start later than in warmer climates, so planning around frost dates is important.

The typical last frost occurs in late May, and the first frost usually arrives in early October. While this shorter window requires planning, the moderate summer temperatures and ample rainfall can support a wide variety of crops and flowers.

• Check local frost dates before planting
• Use cold frames or cloches for early spring seedlings
• Select hardy plant varieties suited for Northern New England

Being prepared for seasonal changes will help you maximize each growing period.

Sunlight is one of the most critical factors for a successful garden. Most vegetables and flowering plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In Bar Harbor, this can vary depending on surrounding trees or topography, so take time to observe your property throughout the day.

If you’re working with limited space or shaded areas, consider container gardening or raised beds that can be placed in sunnier spots. You’ll also want to choose locations that offer good drainage, as excess moisture can be a problem in some parts of Mount Desert Island.

• South-facing plots with strong midday sun
• Soil that drains well and doesn’t remain soggy after rainfall
• Easy access to a water source, especially in drier summer months

The right location makes it easier to maintain your garden and encourages healthier plant growth.

Bar Harbor’s soil tends to be rich but can vary significantly across different properties. Some areas contain clay-heavy ground, while others may have rocky or sandy soil. Before planting, take time to test your soil for pH balance and nutrient content. Local garden centers offer affordable kits or can refer you to regional testing services.

Once you understand your soil, you may need to amend it with compost, peat moss, or organic matter to improve fertility and texture. Adding mulch around your plants helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture during warmer months.

Soil preparation is a one-time investment that supports long-term gardening success and gives your plants the best foundation to thrive.

The coastal environment in Bar Harbor influences which plants perform best. Many cold-hardy vegetables, herbs, and perennials do well in this climate. As a beginner, it’s smart to focus on reliable, low-maintenance varieties that offer a high chance of success.

• Vegetables: Lettuce, kale, carrots, radishes, and peas
• Herbs: Chives, mint, thyme, parsley, and sage
• Flowers: Coneflowers, hostas, lupines, and black-eyed Susans

Native plants are also an excellent choice. They are adapted to local conditions and typically require less watering and fertilization. In addition, they support pollinators and contribute to Bar Harbor’s overall ecological health.

While it’s tempting to go big right away, starting with a manageable plot allows you to learn as you go and adjust based on your results. A small raised bed or several containers can be enough to get your bearings and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.

Begin by planting just a few vegetables or herbs. Focus on crops you enjoy eating and that suit your cooking habits. As your skills grow, you can expand your garden with more ambitious projects like trellised tomatoes, berry bushes, or perennial beds.

Gardening is as much about experience as it is about planning, and starting small gives you the flexibility to adapt and enjoy each step of the journey.

Bar Harbor and the greater Mount Desert Island area are home to several resources for gardeners. From plant nurseries to community workshops, you’ll find opportunities to gain knowledge and meet others who share your interests.

• Local garden centers offering regionally appropriate seeds and starts
• Events hosted by the Bar Harbor Garden Club
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension programs for home gardeners

Whether you're looking for planting advice, composting tips, or help identifying a pest, these organizations provide support tailored to coastal Maine gardening.

Your garden doesn’t need to be purely functional. In fact, many Bar Harbor residents use gardens to enhance curb appeal, frame outdoor living areas, and create seasonal color displays. With thoughtful design, you can blend practical planting with artistic expression.

• Adding stone paths or reclaimed wood borders
• Including pollinator-friendly flower beds near windows or decks
• Using vertical gardening to add height and texture to small spaces

Even simple design elements can create a sense of flow and make your garden feel like an intentional part of your home.

Every garden requires some upkeep, but smart planning can minimize effort. Use mulch to suppress weeds, group plants with similar watering needs, and install drip irrigation systems if you plan to expand. Regular tasks like watering, pruning, and harvesting become easier when your layout and tools are organized.

Keep a seasonal journal to track what you’ve planted, when it was sown, and how it performed. This record becomes invaluable for future planning and helps you build a deeper understanding of your property’s microclimate.

If you're dreaming of a home where you can start a garden of your own, Steve Shelton is here to help you find the right property in Bar Harbor. Whether you’re looking for a backyard ready for raised beds, a sun-filled lot perfect for perennials, or acreage that supports long-term landscaping goals, Steve will guide you every step of the way.

He understands what matters to gardeners—from soil quality and sun exposure to local zoning and neighborhood character—and will help you evaluate properties with your goals in mind.

Reach out to Steve Shelton today and start planning your next chapter in beautiful, garden-friendly Bar Harbor.