Framingham, MA planting zone & frost dates
Framingham is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 26 and the first fall frost around October 12, for a growing season of about 169 days.
Planting calendar for Framingham
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 26) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 12).
Useful for zone 6b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 14 | Apr 26 | May 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 26 | Oct 12 | Oct 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Framingham
- 01701 zone 6b
- 01702 zone 6b
- 01703 zone 6b
- 01704 zone 6b
- 01705 zone 6b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Framingham, MA?
Framingham is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Framingham?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Framingham is April 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Framingham?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 3 – May 10. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Natick, MA (USC00195175), 6.0 km (3.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 55 m, based on 12 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.