Norfolk, MA planting zone & frost dates

Norfolk is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 27 and the first fall frost around October 14, for a growing season of about 169 days.

USDA hardiness zone6bavg. extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F

Average last spring frostApril 2790% chance of no frost after May 11

Average first fall frostOctober 1410% chance of frost by October 2

Growing season169 daysfrost-free days in an average year

Planting calendar for Norfolk

Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 27) 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 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11
Peppers	Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18
Eggplant	Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18
Broccoli	Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13
Cabbage	Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13
Onions (sets)	Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13
Peas	Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30
Spinach	Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30
Lettuce	Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13
Carrots	Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13
Potatoes	Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13
Beans	Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11
Sweet corn	Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11
Cucumbers	Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11
Squash & zucchini	Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11
Basil	Start seeds indoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11

Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 19 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 14).

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

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Frost risk in detail

	90% chance	50% chance	10% chance
Last 32°F frost in spring is after	Apr 15	Apr 27	May 11
First 32°F frost in fall is before	Oct 29	Oct 14	Oct 2

How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 13.

Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Norfolk

02056 zone 6b

Nearby cities

Wrentham zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
Medway zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
Franklin zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
Holliston zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
Mansfield zone 6b, last frost Apr 27
Westwood zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
Norwood zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
North Attleborough Center zone 6b, last frost Apr 27

All cities in Massachusetts → · Other zone 6b cities →

Questions

What growing zone is Norfolk, MA?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

The average last spring frost (32°F) in Norfolk is April 27. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 11.

When can I plant tomatoes in Norfolk?

Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 4 – May 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Walpole 2, MA (USC00198757), 8.0 km (5.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 52 m, based on 30 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.