Massachusetts, US

Planting calendar for Boston

Last frost around April 6, first frost around November 12: about 220 frost-free days.

Last frost: April 6
First frost: November 12
Frost-free days: 220

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Fava bean
Garlic
Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Nothing this month.

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Boston. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)

When to sow each crop in Boston, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsnip	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Radish	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Potato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Swiss chard	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Arugula	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Celery	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Sow under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Pea	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Garlic	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Plant under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover
Leek	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Scallion	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Shallot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Broccoli	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brussels sprout	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Kale	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bok choy	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsley	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cilantro	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chives	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Mint	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Raspberry	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover
Rhubarb	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors May 11 to Jun 5; Under cover Apr 13 to Jul 3

Sow outdoors: May 11 to Jun 5
Under cover: Apr 13 to Jul 3
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on May 11, ready around July 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors May 10 to Jun 5; Under cover Apr 12 to Jul 3

Sow outdoors: May 10 to Jun 5
Under cover: Apr 12 to Jul 3
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 10, ready around August 2.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 15 to Jun 10; Under cover Apr 17 to Jul 8

Sow outdoors: May 15 to Jun 10
Under cover: Apr 17 to Jul 8
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 15, ready around August 1.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 15 to Jun 5; Under cover Apr 17 to Jul 3

Sow outdoors: May 15 to Jun 5
Under cover: Apr 17 to Jul 3
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 15, ready around August 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors May 10 to Jun 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 23; Under cover Apr 12 to Sep 20

Sow outdoors: May 10 to Jun 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 23
Under cover: Apr 12 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on May 10, ready around June 25.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors May 10 to Jun 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 18; Under cover Apr 12 to Jul 21, and Jul 31 to Aug 18, and Aug 28 to Sep 15

Sow outdoors: May 10 to Jun 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 18
Under cover: Apr 12 to Jul 21, and Jul 31 to Aug 18, and Aug 28 to Sep 15
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on May 10, ready around July 1.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors May 10 to Jun 10; Under cover Apr 12 to Jul 8

Sow outdoors: May 10 to Jun 10
Under cover: Apr 12 to Jul 8
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on May 10, ready around July 20.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors May 5 to Jun 10, and Jul 31 to Aug 6; Under cover Apr 7 to Jul 9, and Jul 31 to Aug 6, and Aug 28 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: May 5 to Jun 10, and Jul 31 to Aug 6
Under cover: Apr 7 to Jul 9, and Jul 31 to Aug 6, and Aug 28 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on May 5, ready around July 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 6; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Aug 6
Under cover: Mar 15 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 21; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 18

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Aug 21
Under cover: Mar 15 to Sep 18
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Apr 6 to Jun 22; Under cover Mar 9 to Jul 20

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jun 22
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jul 20
First harvest: About 91 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around July 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Apr 6 to Sep 30; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Sep 30
Under cover: Mar 9 to Oct 28
First harvest: About 20 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around April 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Apr 6 to Jun 1, and Jul 31 to Aug 6; Under cover Mar 9 to Jul 9, and Jul 31 to Aug 6, and Aug 28 to Sep 3

Plant outdoors: Apr 6 to Jun 1, and Jul 31 to Aug 6
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jul 9, and Jul 31 to Aug 6, and Aug 28 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 70 days after planting. Planted on April 6, ready around June 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Apr 6 to Sep 2; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Sep 2
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 30
First harvest: About 41 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 11 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Apr 6 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 24; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 24
Under cover: Mar 9 to Oct 22
First harvest: About 31 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 12 to Sep 2; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Sep 2
Under cover: Mar 15 to Sep 30
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Apr 6 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 26; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 26
Under cover: Mar 9 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 28 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Apr 2 to Jun 1; Under cover Mar 5 to Jun 29

Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Jun 1
Under cover: Mar 5 to Jun 29
First harvest: About 86 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around June 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors May 5 to Jun 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 11; Under cover Apr 7 to Jul 18, and Jul 31 to Aug 11, and Aug 28 to Sep 8

Sow outdoors: May 5 to Jun 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 11
Under cover: Apr 7 to Jul 18, and Jul 31 to Aug 11, and Aug 28 to Sep 8
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on May 5, ready around July 8.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors May 5 to Jul 5, and Jul 31 to Aug 20; Under cover Apr 7 to Sep 17

Sow outdoors: May 5 to Jul 5, and Jul 31 to Aug 20
Under cover: Apr 7 to Sep 17
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on May 5, ready around June 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Oct 18 to Nov 14; Under cover Sep 20 to Dec 12

Sow outdoors: Oct 18 to Nov 14
Under cover: Sep 20 to Dec 12
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 18, ready around May 26.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Apr 6 to Jul 7, and Jul 31 to Aug 12; Under cover Mar 9 to Aug 12, and Aug 28 to Sep 9

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jul 7, and Jul 31 to Aug 12
Under cover: Mar 9 to Aug 12, and Aug 28 to Sep 9
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 31.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Apr 4 to May 25; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 22

Plant outdoors: Apr 4 to May 25
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jun 22
First harvest: About 96 days after planting. Planted on April 4, ready around July 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Oct 18 to Nov 18; Under cover Sep 20 to Dec 16

Plant outdoors: Oct 18 to Nov 18
Under cover: Sep 20 to Dec 16
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 18, ready around June 25.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Apr 6 to Jul 22; Under cover Mar 9 to Aug 19

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jul 22
Under cover: Mar 9 to Aug 19
First harvest: About 105 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around July 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Apr 2 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 5 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Sep 12
Under cover: Mar 5 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around May 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Mar 30 to Jun 12; Under cover Mar 2 to Jul 10

Plant outdoors: Mar 30 to Jun 12
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jul 10
First harvest: About 80 days after planting. Planted on March 30, ready around June 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 6; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 6
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Apr 12 to Jul 11, and Jul 31 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 28 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Jul 11, and Jul 31 to Aug 7
Under cover: Mar 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 28 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 6 to Jul 7; Under cover Mar 9 to Aug 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jul 7
Under cover: Mar 9 to Aug 4
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 6 to Jun 6; Under cover Mar 9 to Jul 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jun 6
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jul 4
First harvest: About 123 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around August 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 16; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 13

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Aug 16
Under cover: Mar 15 to Sep 13
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Apr 18 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 15; Under cover Mar 21 to Oct 13

Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 15
Under cover: Mar 21 to Oct 13
First harvest: About 37 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around May 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Apr 18 to Aug 24; Under cover Mar 21 to Sep 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to Aug 24
Under cover: Mar 21 to Sep 21
First harvest: About 39 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 31
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Apr 12 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 14; Under cover Mar 15 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Sep 14
Under cover: Mar 15 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 38 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around May 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Apr 6 to Jun 22, and Jul 31 to Aug 15; Under cover Mar 9 to Jul 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 15, and Aug 28 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jun 22, and Jul 31 to Aug 15
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jul 20, and Jul 31 to Aug 15, and Aug 28 to Sep 12
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Chives across the US, town by town

MintOutdoors Apr 12 to Oct 4; Under cover Mar 15 to Nov 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Oct 4
Under cover: Mar 15 to Nov 1
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Apr 6 to Jun 6, and Jul 31 to Aug 12; Under cover Mar 9 to Jul 15, and Jul 31 to Aug 12, and Aug 28 to Sep 9

Plant outdoors: Apr 6 to Jun 6, and Jul 31 to Aug 12
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jul 15, and Jul 31 to Aug 12, and Aug 28 to Sep 9
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Strawberry across the US, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors Nov 5 to Nov 27; Under cover Oct 8 to Dec 25

Plant outdoors: Nov 5 to Nov 27
Under cover: Oct 8 to Dec 25
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors Oct 26 to Nov 23; Under cover Sep 28 to Dec 21

Plant outdoors: Oct 26 to Nov 23
Under cover: Sep 28 to Dec 21
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Boston

When is the last frost in Boston?

On average around April 6, and the first autumn frost comes around November 12. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Boston?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 11 to Jun 5, or under cover Apr 13 to Jul 3.

What can I sow in Boston in November?

Outdoors: fava bean, garlic, raspberry, rhubarb.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Boston. Free for 2 months.

App StoreComing soon

How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work