2013 Best Spring Planting Dates for Seeds for Allston, MA

When determining the best planting dates in the spring for seeds, the date of the last spring frost is important to your success. NOTE: Our chart calculates U.S. frost dates only, based on historical data. Other factors can also influence planting dates, including soil temperature, altitude and slope of land, nearby waters, and day length. Keep records of your garden's conditions each year to plan more accurately.

  • Seeds for plants with a long growing season should be started indoors during the periods shown below.
  • Seeds for plants sown in the ground should be planted during the periods shown.
  • When no dates appear in the chart, that starting method is not recommended for the particular vegetable.
  • To start transplants, see our Best Dates to Transplant (by region).

Planting by the Moon?

Above-ground crops are planted during the light of the Moon (new to full); below-ground crops are planted during the dark of the Moon (from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again). Planting is done in the daytime; planting at night is optional!

This chart includes the most popular crops. For more information, consult your cooperative extension.

Click on the underlined crops below for free "how to" plant and grow guides!

ZIP Code or City,State

50% probability of frost free after April 7 (at BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansApr 7-21Apr 10-21
BeetsMar 17-Apr 28Mar 28-Apr 9
BroccoliFeb 9-23Feb 10-23Mar 17-24Mar 17-24
Brussels sproutsFeb 9-23Feb 10-23
CabbageFeb 9-23Feb 10-23Mar 31-Apr 14Apr 10-14
CarrotsMar 2-17Mar 2- 9
CauliflowerFeb 9-23Feb 10-23Mar 31-Apr 14Apr 10-14
CeleryFeb 9-23Feb 10-23
CornApr 21-28Apr 21-25
CucumbersMar 9-24Mar 11-24Apr 14-21Apr 14-21
LettuceFeb 23-Mar 9Feb 23-25Mar 31-Apr 21Apr 10-21
MelonsMar 9-24Mar 11-24Apr 21-28Apr 21-25
Onion setsMar 9-17Mar 9
ParsnipsMar 17-Apr 7Mar 28-Apr 7
PeasFeb 23-Mar 9Feb 23-25
PeppersFeb 9-23Feb 10-23
Potato tubersApr 7-21Apr 7- 9
PumpkinsMar 9-24Mar 11-24Apr 14-21Apr 14-21
RadishesMar 31-Apr 14Mar 31-Apr 9
SpinachFeb 23-Mar 9Feb 23-25
Squash, summerMar 9-24Mar 11-24Apr 14-21Apr 14-21
Squash, winterMar 9-24Mar 11-24Apr 14-21Apr 14-21
TomatoesFeb 9-23Feb 10-23