What Can Grow in Worcester, MA

Worcester inland from Boston has a more continental climate with colder winters and a shorter growing season.

Worcester, MA is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The growing season lasts about 148 days, with last frost around April 28 and first fall frost around October 20. Top crops include tomatoes, peppers, beans.

5bUSDA Zone
148 daysFrost-Free
April 28Last Frost
October 20First Frost
🌱 What Grows in Worcester
tomatoespeppersbeansbroccolikaleroot vegetables
💡 Planting Tips

Cooler than Boston. Plant warm crops after May 10. Good for cold-hardy vegetables.

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📍 Full Zone 5b Guide 🌎 Massachusetts Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester, MA is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b. Worcester inland from Boston has a more continental climate with colder winters and a shorter growing season.

The average last spring frost in Worcester is around April 28. The first fall frost typically arrives around October 20, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 148 days.

Worcester's Zone 5b climate supports growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, broccoli, kale, root vegetables. Cooler than Boston. Plant warm crops after May 10. Good for cold-hardy vegetables.

In Worcester, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of April 28. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.