Gloucester, MA planting zone & frost dates
Gloucester is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 4 and the first fall frost around October 12, for a growing season of about 160 days.
Planting calendar for Gloucester
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 4) 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: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 12).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 24 | May 4 | May 17 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 28 | Oct 12 | Oct 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 17, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 23.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Gloucester
- 01930 zone 7a
- 01931 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Beverly Cove zone 6b, last frost May 4
- Beverly zone 6b, last frost Apr 24
- Marblehead zone 7a, last frost Apr 25
- Salem zone 7a, last frost Apr 25
- Danvers zone 6b, last frost Apr 24
- Peabody zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Swampscott zone 7a, last frost Apr 25
- Newburyport zone 6b, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is Gloucester, MA?
Gloucester is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Gloucester?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Gloucester is May 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 17.
When can I plant tomatoes in Gloucester?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 11 – May 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Beverly, MA (USC00190593), 14.5 km (9.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 20 m, based on 18 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.