Planting calendar for Massachusetts
Short answer
Most of Massachusetts is in climate zone 5, with an average last spring frost around Apr 15 and first fall frost around Oct 25. Plant hardy crops before the last frost, tender crops after. Enter your ZIP for dates tuned to your exact area.
Last spring frost
Apr 15
First fall frost
Oct 25
Climate zone(s)
5
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peas | — | Mar 11 | May 10 |
| Spinach | — | Mar 11 | Apr 25 |
| Radishes | — | Mar 18 | Apr 15 |
| Kale | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 12 |
| Onions | Feb 4 | Mar 18 | Jun 26 |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 | Mar 25 | May 14 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 25 | Jun 3 |
| Beets | — | Mar 25 | May 19 |
| Strawberries | — | Mar 25 | Jun 23 |
| Blueberries | — | Mar 25 | Year 2–3 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 5 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 10 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 1 | Jun 30 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 1 | May 16 |
| Blackberries | — | Apr 1 | Year 2–3 |
| Nasturtiums | — | Apr 15 | Jun 9 |
| Zucchini / squash | Mar 25 | Apr 22 | Jun 11 |
| Green beans | — | Apr 22 | Jun 16 |
| Sweet corn | — | Apr 22 | Jul 6 |
| Coleus | Feb 4 | Apr 22 | Jun 21 |
| Marigolds | Feb 25 | Apr 22 | Jun 11 |
| Zinnias | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Jun 26 |
| Morning glories | Mar 18 | Apr 22 | Jul 11 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 22 | Jul 11 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Jul 13 |
| Peppers | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | Jul 18 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Jun 23 |
| Pumpkins | Apr 1 | Apr 29 | Aug 17 |
| Basil | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Jun 28 |
| Peonies | — | Sep 13 | Year 2–3 |
| Garlic | — | Oct 4 | Jun 1 (next yr) |
| Tulips | — | Nov 1 | Apr 30 (next yr) |
Dates use zone 5 (most of Massachusetts); colder areas run later. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone.
What sets planting dates in Massachusetts
Planting dates across Massachusetts anchor to two dates. Most of the state sits in climate zone 5, where the average last spring frost lands around Apr 15 and the first fall frost around Oct 25 — a growing season of roughly 193 days. Every crop in the calendar counts forward or backward from those two frosts.
Hardy crops shrug off a light freeze, so they go in weeks before the last frost; tender crops wait until after it, once the soil warms. In Massachusetts's zone 5, that's why peas can go out around Mar 11 while tomatoes wait until about Apr 29.
Even within Massachusetts's zone 5, elevation and local microclimate shift these dates by a week or two. Use them as a baseline, then enter your ZIP for dates tuned to your exact area.
What sets your dates
| Factor | Effect on timing |
|---|---|
| Last spring frost | Tender crops can't go out until it passes — around Apr 15 in Massachusetts's zone 5 |
| First fall frost | Sets the harvest deadline — around Oct 25 — for anything still in the ground |
| Climate zone | Massachusetts is climate zone 5 |
| Crop hardiness | Hardy crops plant before the last frost; tender crops wait until after it |
| Indoor head start | Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) need 6–10 weeks started indoors first |
| Microclimate & elevation | Cold pockets, slopes, and higher ground run later than the state average |
How Massachusetts's season compares
| Reference | Growing season |
|---|---|
| Long season (zone 2) | ~293 days · Feb 15 – Dec 5 |
| Massachusetts (zone 5) | ~193 days · Apr 15 – Oct 25 |
| Short season (zone 8) | ~96 days · Jun 1 – Sep 5 |
Massachusetts planting tips
- Don't rush tender crops out before Massachusetts's last frost (around Apr 15) — a single late freeze can wipe out tomatoes and peppers.
- Start cool-season crops (peas, spinach, lettuce) early; they handle Massachusetts's spring chill and bolt once summer heat arrives.
- Count backward from Apr 15 to time indoor seed-starting — 6–10 weeks for warm crops that need a head start.
- For a fall harvest, work back from the first frost (around Oct 25) using each crop's days-to-harvest so it matures in time.
Your exact area
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Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Massachusetts?
Most of Massachusetts (zone 5) averages its last spring frost around Apr 15 and first fall frost around Oct 25. Colder parts of the state run later in spring.
When should I plant tomatoes in Massachusetts?
Set tomato transplants out around Apr 29 in most of Massachusetts — a couple of weeks after the last frost. Start seeds indoors about Mar 4.
What is the growing season in Massachusetts?
Roughly Oct 25 minus Apr 15 for zone 5. Cool-season crops extend it on both ends; enter your ZIP for your exact dates.