North Adams, MA planting zone & frost dates
North Adams is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 10 and the first fall frost around October 4, for a growing season of about 147 days.
Planting calendar for North Adams
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 10) 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 15 – Mar 29 Transplant outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: May 24 – May 31 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: May 24 – May 31 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 Transplant outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 4).
Useful for zone 5b 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 27 | May 10 | May 25 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 19 | Oct 4 | Sep 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 25, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 30.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in North Adams
- 01247 zone 5b
Nearby cities
- Pittsfield zone 5b, last frost May 5
- Greenfield zone 6a, last frost May 1
- Northampton zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Easthampton zone 6a, last frost May 3
- Amherst Center zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Amherst zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Westfield zone 6a, last frost May 3
- South Hadley zone 6a, last frost May 5
Questions
What growing zone is North Adams, MA?
North Adams is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (average extreme winter low -15°F to -10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in North Adams?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in North Adams is May 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 25.
When can I plant tomatoes in North Adams?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 17 – May 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station North Adams Harriman Ap, MA (USW00054768), 5.1 km (3.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 199 m, based on 23 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.