Last frost date in Gardner, MA
In Gardner, the last spring frost comes around May 2 in an average year. Wait until May 16 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 13, which leaves 163 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 16
- Average first frost
- Oct 13
- Frost-free season
- 163 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 18
Frost likely tonight, low 31°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2231°frost
- FriOct 2327°hard freeze
- SatOct 2429°frost
- SunOct 2534°possible frost
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2735°possible frost
- WedOct 2837°
Planting calendar for Gardner
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Massachusetts.
TomatoesMay 9–May 23
PumpkinsMay 16–May 30
SunflowersMay 2–May 23
CucumbersMay 16–May 23
CornMay 9–May 23
Sweet potatoesMay 23–Jun 6
WatermelonMay 16–May 30
Green beansMay 9–May 30
ZucchiniMay 9–May 23
OkraMay 23–Jun 6
PeppersMay 16–May 30
BasilMay 9–May 23
Butternut squashMay 9–May 23
CantaloupeMay 16–May 30
EggplantMay 16–May 30
PotatoesApr 4–Apr 18
OnionsMar 21–Apr 11
CarrotsApr 11–May 16
LettuceApr 18–May 9
BroccoliApr 4–Apr 18
BeetsApr 4–May 16
PeasMar 21–Apr 4
CabbageApr 4–Apr 18
RadishesMar 28–May 9
Brussels sproutsApr 18–May 2
SpinachMar 21–Apr 11
CilantroApr 18–May 9
KaleApr 4–Apr 18
Collard greensApr 4–Apr 18
TurnipsApr 4–Apr 18
DillMay 2–May 16
CeleryMay 9–May 16
CauliflowerApr 18–May 2
LeeksApr 18–May 2
Swiss chardApr 18–May 16
ParsleyApr 18–May 9
Tulip bulbsSep 29–Nov 3
GarlicSep 22–Oct 27
Daffodil bulbsSep 15–Oct 27
StrawberriesApr 4–Apr 18
AsparagusApr 4–Apr 18Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 19 | May 2 | May 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 13 | Oct 30 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 4 | Apr 18 | May 3 | Oct 9 | Oct 25 | Nov 10 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Ashburnham (USC00190190) sits 4.4 miles from the center of Gardner at 1,108 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Gardner, MA?
The average last frost date in Gardner is May 2, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 16.
When is the first frost in Gardner?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 13. One year in ten it arrives before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Gardner?
About 163 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Gardner?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 9 to May 23. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Massachusetts
- FitchburgMay 1
- LeominsterApr 29
- WorcesterApr 23
- MarlboroughMay 2
- Amherst TownMay 5
- FraminghamApr 26
- LowellApr 30
- MilfordApr 30
- NorthamptonMay 5
- LexingtonApr 28
- WalthamApr 28
- BurlingtonApr 25