When to plant in Springfield, MA
USDA Zone 6aEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Springfield, Massachusetts — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
Springfield's nearest full-normals station sits about 15 km out, so treat these as a close estimate — local microclimate can nudge your first and last frost. In zone 6a, Springfield gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
WESTFIELD BARNES 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 Springfield’s own odds, recorded at WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 28 | May 14 | May 1 | Sep 16 | Sep 30 | Oct 11 |
| 32°F | May 17 | May 3 | Apr 20 | Sep 26 | Oct 8 | Oct 25 |
| 28°F | May 5 | Apr 21 | Apr 6 | Oct 6 | Oct 20 | Nov 5 |
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 Springfield, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 23 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.
Springfield planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Springfield, MA?
On average, the last spring frost in Springfield is around May 3 (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 Springfield, MA?
The first fall frost in Springfield typically arrives around October 8 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Springfield in?
Springfield is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. In zone 6a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Springfield?
Springfield has about 158 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (May 3) and first fall frost (October 8).
When should I plant tomatoes in Springfield?
For Springfield, sow tomatoes indoors about March 8–March 22 and move the seedlings out around May 10, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Springfield
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Springfield’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Chicopee · 7 km
- Longmeadow · 8 km
- West Springfield Town · 9 km
- Agawam Town · 11 km
- Holyoke · 14 km
- Westfield · 18 km
- Easthampton · 20 km
- Palmer Town · 21 km
Frost dates recorded at WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, 15 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 Springfield, MA — Frost Dates & Zone 6a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00014775. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/massachusetts/springfield.