Springfield, MA planting zone & frost dates
Springfield is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 3 and the first fall frost around October 8, for a growing season of about 158 days.
Planting calendar for Springfield
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 3) 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 8 – Mar 22 Transplant outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 Transplant outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 8).
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 20 | May 3 | May 17 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 25 | Oct 8 | Sep 26 |
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 September 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 21.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Springfield
- 01101 zone 6b
- 01102 zone 6b
- 01103 zone 6b
- 01104 zone 6a
- 01105 zone 6b
- 01107 zone 6b
- 01108 zone 6b
- 01109 zone 6a
- 01111 zone 6a
- 01115 zone 6b
- 01118 zone 6b
- 01119 zone 6a
- 01128 zone 6a
- 01129 zone 6a
- 01138 zone 6b
- 01139 zone 6a
- 01144 zone 6b
- 01152 zone 6a
- 01199 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- West Springfield zone 6b, last frost May 3
- Agawam zone 6b, last frost May 3
- Chicopee zone 6a, last frost May 3
- Longmeadow zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- North Chicopee zone 6a, last frost May 3
- East Longmeadow zone 6b, last frost May 3
- Holyoke zone 6a, last frost May 3
- Ludlow zone 6a, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is Springfield, MA?
Springfield is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6a.
When is the last frost in Springfield?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Springfield is May 3. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 17.
When can I plant tomatoes in Springfield?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 10 – May 17. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Westfield Barnes Muni Ap, MA (USW00014775), 12.2 km (7.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 83 m, based on 22 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.