Worcester, MA planting zone & frost dates
Worcester is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 23 and the first fall frost around October 21, for a growing season of about 181 days.
Planting calendar for Worcester
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 23) 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: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 26 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 21).
Useful for zone 6a 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 11 | Apr 23 | May 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 3 | Oct 21 | Oct 6 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 6. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 11.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Worcester
- 01601 zone 6a
- 01602 zone 6b
- 01603 zone 6a
- 01604 zone 6a
- 01605 zone 6a
- 01606 zone 6b
- 01607 zone 6a
- 01608 zone 6a
- 01609 zone 6b
- 01610 zone 6a
- 01613 zone 6a
- 01614 zone 6a
- 01615 zone 6b
- 01653 zone 6b
- 01655 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Auburn zone 6a, last frost Apr 23
- Millbury zone 6a, last frost Apr 23
- Shrewsbury zone 6a, last frost Apr 23
- Leicester zone 6b, last frost Apr 23
- Holden zone 6b, last frost Apr 23
- Grafton zone 6b, last frost Apr 23
- Northbridge zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Charlton zone 6b, last frost May 1
Questions
What growing zone is Worcester, MA?
Worcester is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6b.
When is the last frost in Worcester?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Worcester is April 23. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Worcester?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 30 – May 7. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Worcester Rgnl Ap, MA (USW00094746), 5.9 km (3.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 305 m, based on 28 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.