Knowing when to plant vegetables in Massachusetts is the key to a successful harvest. This guide will give you a clear when to plant vegetables in Massachusetts chart and the tips you need to grow your best garden yet.
Our state’s climate can be tricky, with late frosts and variable seasons. But with a little planning, you can extend your growing season and enjoy fresh food for months.
When To Plant Vegetables In Massachusetts Chart
This chart is your visual starting point. It groups common vegetables by their hardiness and preferred planting times. Remember, these are general guidelines for central Massachusetts. If you live on the Cape or in the Berkshires, you may need to adjust by a week or two.
Very Hardy (Plant 4-6 weeks before last frost)
- Onion sets & seeds
- Peas
- Spinach
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Radish
- Carrots
- Parsnips
Hardy (Plant 2-4 weeks before last frost)
- Beets
- Swiss Chard
- Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
Tender (Plant after last frost)
- Beans
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Squash
Very Tender (Plant 1-2 weeks after last frost, when soil is warm)
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Basil
- Melons
Understanding Your Massachusetts Growing Zone
Massachusetts spans USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5a to 7b. Most of the state falls into Zones 6a or 6b. This zone tells you the average coldest winter temperature, which helps with perennial plants.
For annual vegetables, the more critical date is your average last spring frost. This date varies:
- Western MA & Higher Elevations: May 15-25
- Central MA (Worcester, etc.): May 10-15
- Eastern MA & Coastal: May 1-10
- Cape Cod & Islands: Late April to early May
Your average first fall frost is just as important for planning your late harvests. This typically occurs from late September in the Berkshires to mid-October on the coast.
Spring Planting Guide: Getting a Head Start
Spring is a busy time for gardeners. The goal is to get cool-season crops in the ground early and protect warm-season crops until the danger has passed.
Pre-Season Prep (Late March – April)
As soon as the soil is workable (not soggy), you can begin. A simple test is to squeeze a handful of soil; if it stays in a muddy ball, wait. If it crumbles, you’re good to go.
- Clear garden beds of old debris.
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
- Cover beds with black plastic or fabric to warm the soil faster.
Early Spring Direct Sowing
As soon as soil can be worked, plant seeds for peas, spinach, radishes, and lettuce. You can succession plant these every two weeks for a continuous harvest. Use cold frames or row covers if a hard frost is predicted—they make a huge difference.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds inside gives tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants the long growing season they need. Here’s a simple timeline:
- 8-10 weeks before last frost: Start onions and leeks.
- 6-8 weeks before last frost: Start broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
- 6 weeks before last frost: Start tomatoes and eggplants.
- 8 weeks before last frost: Start peppers (they can be slower to germinate).
Make sure your seedlings get plenty of light to prevent them from getting leggy and weak.
Summer Planting: Succession and Warm-Season Crops
Once the threat of frost is gone, it’s time to shift gears. The soil and air are warming up, inviting a new set of vegetables.
Transplanting Tender Seedlings
Wait until nights are consistently above 50°F before moving your home-started tomatoes and peppers outside. “Harden off” your plants first. This means bringing them outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outside over 7-10 days. This prevents transplant shock from sun and wind.
Direct Sowing Warm-Season Crops
Plant seeds for beans, corn, cucumbers, and squash directly in the garden. They germinate quickly in warm soil. For a longer bean harvest, plant a new batch every three weeks through early July.
Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest
Don’t let your garden space sit idle. As you harvest early radishes or spinach, replant that spot with bush beans or carrots. In mid-summer, you can start seeds for fall crops like broccoli and kale indoors.
Fall Planting: Extending Your Harvest
Fall is a fantastic gardening season in Massachusetts. Cooler temperatures make many greens sweeter and pests are less of a problem.
Calculating Fall Planting Dates
For fall crops, you work backward from your first fall frost date. Check the “days to maturity” on your seed packet and add about 2 weeks for the slower growth of shorter, cooler days.
For example, if you want kale that matures in 55 days and your first frost is October 10th, you should aim to plant by August 1st (55 + 14 days = 69 days, counting back from Oct 10).
What to Plant in Mid to Late Summer
These crops thrive in the fall:
- Direct sow: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, beets, and Swiss chard.
- Transplant: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale started indoors in July.
Use shade cloth to protect newly seeded areas from the intense summer sun until they germinate.
Essential Tips for Massachusetts Gardeners
A few local strategies can make your gardening more succesful.
Soil and Mulching
Massachusetts soil is often acidic. Get a soil test every few years; UMass Amherst offers a great service. Adding lime may be necessary to raise the pH. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Dealing with Pests and Weather
Common pests include squash vine borers, tomato hornworms, and cabbage worms. Row covers are an effective physical barrier for many. Be prepared for variable weather—have frost protection (like old sheets) handy in spring and fall, and ensure good drainage for those heavy summer rains.
Recommended Varieties for Our Climate
Choosing varieties bred for shorter seasons or cooler climates pays off. Look for these reliable performers:
- Tomatoes: ‘Early Girl’, ‘Matt’s Wild Cherry’, ‘Mountain Merit’
- Peppers: ‘Ace’, ‘King of the North’
- Squash: ‘Dark Star’ zucchini, ‘Buttercup’ winter squash
- Broccoli: ‘Arcadia’, ‘Belstar’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best planting calendar for Massachusetts?
The best calendar is one you personalize. Use the chart in this article as a base, but note your own frost dates and observations from your specific garden site each year.
When should I start seeds indoors in MA?
This depends on the crop. A general rule is to start long-season, tender crops like tomatoes and peppers 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Always check the seed packet for specific recommendations.
What can I plant in April in Massachusetts?
In April, you can direct sow peas, spinach, radishes, lettuce, kale, and carrots if the soil is workable. You can also plant onion sets and potato tubers. Its a great time to transplant hardy seedlings like broccoli if they’ve been hardened off.
How long is the growing season in Massachusetts?
The growing season varies from about 120 days in the cooler western parts to 180 days or more on the Cape and Islands. Knowing your first and last frost dates gives you your exact number of frost-free days to plan with.
Gardening in Massachusetts is a rewarding journey that connects you with the seasons. By using this guide and observing your own garden’s microclimate, you’ll develop a feel for the perfect planting times. Keep notes each year on what worked and when you planted; this personal record will become your most valuable tool. With this knowledge, you’re well on your way to a plentiful harvest from spring straight through to fall.