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Worcester, MA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Worcester usually comes around Apr 25 and the first fall frost around Oct 26, a growing season of about 184 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 14 – Mar 28 and plant them outside May 9 – May 23.

Last spring frostApr 25
First fall frostOct 26
Growing season184 days

When to plant vegetables in Worcester

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 14 – Mar 28May 9 – May 23—
PeppersMar 7 – Mar 21May 16 – May 30—
EggplantMar 7 – Mar 21May 16 – May 30—
Cucumbers—May 9 – May 23—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 9 – May 23—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 16 – May 30—
Green beans—May 9 – May 23Aug 3 – Aug 17
Sweet corn—May 9 – May 23—
BasilMar 28 – Apr 11May 9 – May 23—
LettuceFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 28 – May 9Aug 31 – Sep 14
Spinach—Mar 14 – Apr 4Aug 31 – Sep 14
Peas—Mar 14 – Apr 4Aug 17 – Aug 31
Carrots—Mar 28 – May 2Aug 3 – Aug 17
Radishes—Mar 21 – May 9Sep 14 – Sep 28
BroccoliFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 28 – Apr 11Aug 3 – Aug 17
KaleFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 21 – Apr 4Aug 17 – Aug 31
Onions—Mar 28 – Apr 11—
Potatoes—Apr 4 – May 2—
Garlic——Oct 12 – Nov 16

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Worcester. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Worcester

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Worcester?

The median last spring frost is Apr 25 and the median first fall frost is Oct 26, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Worcester?

Start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Mar 28 and set plants outside May 9 – May 23, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Worcester?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 26): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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