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Frost Dates & Foolproof Timing: When It’s Safe to Plant

Avoid heartbreak from a late frost! Here’s how to time your planting perfectly in Massachusetts.

There’s nothing more disheartening than lovingly planting your garden—only to wake up to a frosty surprise that leaves your tender plants drooping in defeat. Spring in Massachusetts can be unpredictable, but with the right timing (and a few tricks up your sleeve), you can beat the frost and set your garden up for success.

❄️ Understanding Last Frost Dates in Massachusetts

While Massachusetts has a variety of microclimates, here’s a general rule of thumb for average last frost dates by region:

  • Cape Cod & Southeastern MA – Around April 15–25

  • Greater Boston & Coastal Areas – April 20–30

  • Central MA (Worcester County) – May 1–10

  • Western MA & the Berkshires – May 10–20

🌡️ Tip: Use your ZIP code on trusted weather sites or gardening tools to find your exact average last frost date.

🪴 When to Plant What

  • Cool-weather crops (like lettuce, peas, broccoli): Safe to plant 2–4 weeks before the last frost

  • Warm-weather crops (like tomatoes, peppers, basil): Wait until 1–2 weeks after the last frost

  • Annuals and tender perennials: Don’t rush—wait for consistent night temps above 50°F

  • Perennials, shrubs, and trees: These can often be planted as soon as the ground is workable

🔥 Frost Protection Tricks (Just in Case)

If Mother Nature throws a curveball, here are some ways to safeguard your green investments:

  • Row covers or old sheets – Drape them over plants in the evening and remove in the morning

  • Upside-down buckets or pots – Great for covering individual young plants

  • Water your garden in the morning before a frost – Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil

  • Use mulch to insulate root zones for tender perennials

📲 Smart Gardening? There’s an App for That.

Download the Lakeview Nurseries App for instant planting advice, frost alerts, and local gardening tips tailored to your zip code. It’s your best friend for smart seasonal timing—and it’s free!

👉 Download the App

🎁 Exclusive App Deals Right Now:

  • Plant a Pollinator Promotion 🌼: Buy $75 of select pollinator plants, get a $10 gift card FREE! Use promo code: POLLINATOR25

  • New to the app? Sign up and get $10 off a $50+ purchase with promo code: WELCOME

(Note: Discounts cannot be combined. See in-app for full details.)

🐝 Why Not Start with Pollinators?

Early spring is a great time to begin with tough, native pollinator plants that can handle a little cool weather. Not only do they attract beneficial insects and birds—they’re often more resilient to frost.

Stop by Lakeview Nurseries or check the app for our staff’s top picks for foolproof pollinator plants this season.

Michelle and the Plant Geeks at Lakeview Nurseries

Michelle Harvey