When to Plant in Boston, MA

Boston's harbor location gives it a slightly milder climate than inland Massachusetts — Zone 6b with a typical last frost around April 22. The ocean moderates winter temperatures, and Boston's urban heat island extends the growing season compared to the suburbs.

Boston gardeners work with roughly 185 frost-free days. Community garden plots are highly sought-after in the city. The cool, humid climate is excellent for spring and fall growing, and a productive summer season with proper warm-season varieties.

What to plant now in Boston

Spring: Cold-hardy crops in April; warm-season crops after April 22 last frost.
Summer: Full summer garden. Ocean breezes moderate heat.
Fall: Excellent — broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, and carrots.
Winter: Garlic overwintering. Indoor seed starting from late March.

In Boston (180 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Boston

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Plan garden layout.
February	Start onion seeds indoors.
March	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Direct sow spinach outside with protection.
April	Transplant cold-hardy seedlings. After April 22 — plant warm-season crops.
May	Full spring garden. Plant beans, squash, and cucumbers.
June	Summer garden growing.
July	Harvest summer crops. Start fall seedlings.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Direct sow carrots.
September	Fall planting: lettuce and spinach.
October	First frost mid-October. Plant garlic.
November	Cold-hardy greens with row cover.
December	Rest season. Plan next year.

Frost dates for Boston ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
02115	April 22	October 19	7a
02118	April 22	October 19	7a
02215	April 22	October 19	6b
02210	April 22	October 19	7a

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Boston, MA?

Boston's average last frost date is around April 22. The harbor location and urban heat island can sometimes allow planting a week earlier than surrounding suburban areas.

What grows best in Boston?

Cool-season crops thrive in spring and fall: peas, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and kale. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash produce well through summer with proper variety selection.

When should I plant tomatoes in Boston?

Start seeds indoors in late March. Transplant outdoors after April 22. Choose early-maturing varieties (65–75 days) for reliable harvest before October frosts.

How does Plan My Garden help Boston gardeners?

Enter your Boston zip code for exact planting dates tuned to the Massachusetts coast's growing calendar.