LawnWeather

Lowell, MA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Lowell usually comes around Apr 23 and the first fall frost around Oct 19, a growing season of about 179 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 12 – Mar 26 and plant them outside May 7 – May 21.

Last spring frostApr 23
First fall frostOct 19
Growing season179 days

When to plant vegetables in Lowell

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 12 – Mar 26May 7 – May 21—
PeppersMar 5 – Mar 19May 14 – May 28—
EggplantMar 5 – Mar 19May 14 – May 28—
Cucumbers—May 7 – May 21—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 7 – May 21—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 14 – May 28—
Green beans—May 7 – May 21Jul 27 – Aug 10
Sweet corn—May 7 – May 21—
BasilMar 26 – Apr 9May 7 – May 21—
LettuceFeb 26 – Mar 12Mar 26 – May 7Aug 24 – Sep 7
Spinach—Mar 12 – Apr 2Aug 24 – Sep 7
Peas—Mar 12 – Apr 2Aug 10 – Aug 24
Carrots—Mar 26 – Apr 30Jul 27 – Aug 10
Radishes—Mar 19 – May 7Sep 7 – Sep 21
BroccoliFeb 12 – Feb 26Mar 26 – Apr 9Jul 27 – Aug 10
KaleFeb 26 – Mar 12Mar 19 – Apr 2Aug 10 – Aug 24
Onions—Mar 26 – Apr 9—
Potatoes—Apr 2 – Apr 30—
Garlic——Oct 5 – Nov 9

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Lowell. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Lowell

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lowell?

The median last spring frost is Apr 23 and the median first fall frost is Oct 19, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Lowell?

Start seeds indoors Mar 12 – Mar 26 and set plants outside May 7 – May 21, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Lowell?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 19): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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