State growing guide
Massachusetts Planting Guide
USDA Zone 6a/6b · Last frost Apr 20 · First frost Oct 22 · 185 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Massachusetts.
Frost Dates by City — Massachusetts
Average frost dates for major Massachusetts cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Worcester | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Springfield | 5b | May 1 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (May 1) |
| Cape Cod | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Pittsfield | 5a | May 10 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Massachusetts Gardeners
- Boston (Zone 7a) can transplant tomatoes by mid-April with Wall O' Waters
- Western MA (Springfield, Pittsfield) has colder winters and shorter seasons
- Cape Cod benefits from the ocean's moderating effect — earlier springs
Common Challenges in Massachusetts
- ⚠ Old heavy clay soils in many parts of Massachusetts
- ⚠ Late spring snow events in April are not unusual in western MA
Best Crops for Massachusetts
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Massachusetts
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts Gardening
What zone is Massachusetts?
Massachusetts ranges from Zone 5a (Berkshire Mountains, western MA) to Zone 7a (Boston metro and Cape Cod). Worcester is Zone 6a, Springfield is Zone 5b.
When to plant tomatoes in Massachusetts?
In Boston: start indoors in mid-March, transplant late April with protection or mid-May without. In Springfield/Pittsfield: wait until late May.