When to Plant Tomatoes in Massachusetts
In a typical Massachusetts location, start seeds indoors Feb 28 – Mar 14, then transplant outdoors May 2 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Boston and as late as May 17 in North Adams.
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.
Tomatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Worcester | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Springfield | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Lowell | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Cambridge | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| New Bedford | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Dorchester | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Brockton | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Fall River | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Quincy | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Lynn | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Newton | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Somerville | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Lawrence | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Framingham | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Framingham Center | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Waltham | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Haverhill | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Malden | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Brookline | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Medford | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Taunton | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Chicopee | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 17 |
| North Chicopee | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Weymouth | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Revere | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Peabody | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Methuen | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| South Peabody | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Barnstable | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 183 Massachusetts cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Massachusetts cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant tomatoes in Massachusetts?
In a typical Massachusetts location, start seeds indoors Feb 28 – Mar 14, then transplant outdoors May 2 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Boston and as late as May 17 in North Adams.
When is the last frost in Massachusetts?
The average last spring frost in Massachusetts ranges from April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do tomatoes take to grow?
Tomatoes typically take 60–85 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.
Other Crops in Massachusetts
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant tomatoes in other states