Burlington, MA planting zone & frost dates
Burlington is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 25 and the first fall frost around October 17, for a growing season of about 174 days.
Planting calendar for Burlington
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 25) 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 28 – Mar 14 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 22 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 17).
Useful for zone 6b 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 13 | Apr 25 | May 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 1 | Oct 17 | Oct 3 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 3. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 11.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Burlington
- 01803 zone 6b
- 01805 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Wilmington zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Woburn zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Lexington zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
- Winchester zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Bedford zone 6b, last frost Apr 27
- Billerica zone 6b, last frost Apr 27
- Arlington zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Stoneham zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
Questions
What growing zone is Burlington, MA?
Burlington is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Burlington?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Burlington is April 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Burlington?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 2 – May 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Reading, MA (USC00196783), 6.2 km (3.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 34 m, based on 27 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.