Massachusetts, US

Planting calendar for Worcester

Last frost around April 14, first frost around November 3: about 203 frost-free days.

Last frost: April 14
First frost: November 3
Frost-free days: 203

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 Worcester. 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 Worcester, 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 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
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 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
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	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: Not this month	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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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: Not this month	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 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
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 under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	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: Not this month	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 outdoors and 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 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 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 outdoors and 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 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
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 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
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 outdoors and under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	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: Plant under cover	October: Plant outdoors and 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 19 to Jun 13; Under cover Apr 21 to Jul 11

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 13
Under cover: Apr 21 to Jul 11
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around July 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors May 18 to Jun 13; Under cover Apr 20 to Jul 11

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 13
Under cover: Apr 20 to Jul 11
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around August 10.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 23 to Jun 18; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 16

Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 18
Under cover: Apr 25 to Jul 16
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around August 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 23 to Jun 13; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 11

Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 13
Under cover: Apr 25 to Jul 11
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around August 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 20; Under cover Apr 20 to Sep 17

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 20
Under cover: Apr 20 to Sep 17
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around July 2.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 15; Under cover Apr 20 to Aug 15, and Aug 25 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 15
Under cover: Apr 20 to Aug 15, and Aug 25 to Sep 12
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around July 7.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors May 18 to Jun 18; Under cover Apr 20 to Jul 16

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 18
Under cover: Apr 20 to Jul 16
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around July 23.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors May 13 to Jun 18, and Jul 28 to Aug 3; Under cover Apr 15 to Jul 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 3, and Aug 25 to Aug 31

Sow outdoors: May 13 to Jun 18, and Jul 28 to Aug 3
Under cover: Apr 15 to Jul 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 3, and Aug 25 to Aug 31
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 17.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 2; Under cover Mar 16 to Aug 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Aug 2
Under cover: Mar 16 to Aug 30
First harvest: About 73 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 17; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 14

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Aug 17
Under cover: Mar 16 to Sep 14
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 24; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 24
Under cover: Mar 11 to Jul 22
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around July 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 22, and Jul 8 to Sep 26; Under cover Mar 11 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 22, and Jul 8 to Sep 26
Under cover: Mar 11 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 20 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around April 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 3, and Jul 28 to Aug 3; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 6, and Jul 28 to Aug 3, and Aug 25 to Aug 31

Plant outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 3, and Jul 28 to Aug 3
Under cover: Mar 11 to Jul 6, and Jul 28 to Aug 3, and Aug 25 to Aug 31
First harvest: About 68 days after planting. Planted on April 8, ready around June 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Apr 8 to Aug 30; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 27

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Aug 30
Under cover: Mar 11 to Sep 27
First harvest: About 41 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Apr 9 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 12 to Sep 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Aug 25
Under cover: Mar 12 to Sep 22
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 21; Under cover Mar 11 to Oct 19

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 21
Under cover: Mar 11 to Oct 19
First harvest: About 31 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 30; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 27

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Aug 30
Under cover: Mar 16 to Sep 27
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 22; Under cover Mar 11 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 22
Under cover: Mar 11 to Oct 20
First harvest: About 27 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 5.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Apr 4 to Jun 3; Under cover Mar 7 to Jul 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Jun 3
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jul 1
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, 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 13 to Jun 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: May 13 to Jun 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 8
Under cover: Apr 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 61 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors May 13 to Jul 13, and Jul 28 to Aug 18; Under cover Apr 15 to Sep 15

Sow outdoors: May 13 to Jul 13, and Jul 28 to Aug 18
Under cover: Apr 15 to Sep 15
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 3.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Oct 15 to Nov 9; Under cover Sep 17 to Dec 7

Sow outdoors: Oct 15 to Nov 9
Under cover: Sep 17 to Dec 7
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 15, ready around May 23.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 9; Under cover Mar 11 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 9
Under cover: Mar 11 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around June 1.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Apr 6 to May 27; Under cover Mar 9 to Jun 24

Plant outdoors: Apr 6 to May 27
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jun 24
First harvest: About 94 days after planting. Planted on April 6, ready around July 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Oct 15 to Nov 13; Under cover Sep 17 to Dec 11

Plant outdoors: Oct 15 to Nov 13
Under cover: Sep 17 to Dec 11
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 15, ready around June 22.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Apr 8 to Jul 24; Under cover Mar 11 to Aug 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jul 24
Under cover: Mar 11 to Aug 21
First harvest: About 103 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around July 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Apr 4 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 7 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 7 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 14; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 12

Plant outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 14
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 12
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on April 1, ready around June 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Apr 8 to Aug 8; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Aug 8
Under cover: Mar 11 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around June 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Apr 13 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 4; Under cover Mar 16 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 4
Under cover: Mar 16 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 1
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 22; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 20

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 22
Under cover: Mar 11 to Jul 20
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around June 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 8; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 8
Under cover: Mar 11 to Jul 6
First harvest: About 121 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around August 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 12; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 9

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Aug 12
Under cover: Mar 16 to Sep 9
First harvest: About 59 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Apr 19 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 22 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Apr 19 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 12
Under cover: Mar 22 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 19, 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 19 to Aug 21; Under cover Mar 22 to Sep 18

Sow outdoors: Apr 19 to Aug 21
Under cover: Mar 22 to Sep 18
First harvest: About 39 days after sowing. Sown on April 19, ready around May 28.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Apr 8 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 11 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Apr 13 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 10; Under cover Mar 16 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Jun 5, and Jul 25 to Sep 10
Under cover: Mar 16 to Oct 8
First harvest: About 37 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, 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 8 to Jun 24, and Jul 28 to Aug 11; Under cover Mar 11 to Aug 11, and Aug 25 to Sep 8

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 24, and Jul 28 to Aug 11
Under cover: Mar 11 to Aug 11, and Aug 25 to Sep 8
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 13 to Sep 30; Under cover Mar 16 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Sep 30
Under cover: Mar 16 to Oct 28
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 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 28 to Aug 8; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5

Plant outdoors: Apr 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 28 to Aug 8
Under cover: Mar 11 to Jul 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5
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 Oct 31 to Nov 21; Under cover Oct 3 to Dec 19

Plant outdoors: Oct 31 to Nov 21
Under cover: Oct 3 to Dec 19
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 22 to Nov 18; Under cover Sep 24 to Dec 16

Plant outdoors: Oct 22 to Nov 18
Under cover: Sep 24 to Dec 16
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 Worcester

When is the last frost in Worcester?

On average around April 14, and the first autumn frost comes around November 3. 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 Worcester?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 19 to Jun 13, or under cover Apr 21 to Jul 11.

What can I sow in Worcester 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 Worcester. Free for 2 months.

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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