Massachusetts growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How Massachusetts zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across Massachusetts
Massachusetts covers USDA Zones 6a–7a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 6a — Worcester and central Massachusetts. Average last frost 05/01, first frost 10/01 (about 153 frost-free days).
- Zone 6b — Boston and the coastal plain. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
- Zone 7a — Cape Cod and the Islands. Average last frost 04/15, first frost 10/15 (about 183 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Worcester and central Massachusetts (Zone 6a)
- Tomatoes: set out May 8 – May 29; fall June 18 – July 9
- Peppers: set out May 15 – June 5; fall July 2 – July 23
- Sweet corn: seed May 1 – May 22; fall July 2 – July 23
- Cucumbers: set out May 8 – May 29; fall July 16 – August 6
- Summer squash: seed May 8 – May 29; fall July 23 – August 13
- Green beans (bush): seed May 1 – May 22; fall July 16 – August 6
- Cabbage: set out April 3 – April 24; fall June 18 – July 9
- Broccoli: set out April 3 – April 24; fall June 18 – July 9
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in Massachusetts
- State buy-local program: the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources runs the state's farm marketing programs. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Established market: New England Produce Center (Chelsea), the Boston-area wholesale market. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in Massachusetts
- Income tax: Flat state income tax, with an extra surtax on income above $1 million.
- Sales tax on inputs: Items used directly in farming are exempt; farmers apply to the Department of Revenue for a farmer exemption card.
- Farmland property tax: Chapter 61A: land in agricultural use (5+ acres) is assessed at farm value; apply with the town assessor.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in Massachusetts
- Agricultural Climate Resiliency and Efficiencies (ACRE) grants (MDAR)
- Farm Viability Enhancement Program (MDAR)
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (MDAR)
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Northeast SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- UMass Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers