When to plant in New Bedford, MA
USDA Zone 7aNew Bedford, Massachusetts frost dates, USDA zone, and a full-year planting calendar, drawn from the nearest NOAA station and tuned to the local season.
In zone 7a, New Bedford supports a wide range of perennials year-round; the frost dates above are what set your annual vegetable timing.
Frost probability
NEW BEDFORD MUNI AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are New Bedford’s own odds, recorded at NEW BEDFORD MUNI AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 27 | May 12 | Apr 28 | Sep 22 | Oct 3 | Oct 18 |
| 32°F | May 15 | Apr 29 | Apr 17 | Oct 2 | Oct 15 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Apr 30 | Apr 15 | Mar 31 | Oct 12 | Oct 28 | Nov 12 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in New Bedford, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 14 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
New Bedford planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in New Bedford, MA?
On average, the last spring frost in New Bedford is around April 29 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in New Bedford, MA?
Expect New Bedford's first fall frost near October 15 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is New Bedford in?
New Bedford is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. In zone 7a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in New Bedford?
New Bedford has about 169 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 29) and first fall frost (October 15).
When should I plant tomatoes in New Bedford?
For New Bedford, sow tomatoes indoors about March 4–March 18 and move the seedlings out around May 6, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in New Bedford
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to New Bedford’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Fall River · 15 km
- Somerset · 21 km
- Taunton · 30 km
- Newport East · 33 km
- Bridgewater Town · 35 km
- Newport · 38 km
- East Providence · 38 km
- Warwick · 40 km
Frost dates recorded at NEW BEDFORD MUNI AP, 2 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in New Bedford, MA — Frost Dates & Zone 7a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00094726. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/massachusetts/new-bedford.