From the Berkshires to Boston Harbor, your grass and plants face a climate as unpredictable as a New England spring. Massachusetts growing zones range from zone 5a to zone 7b, depending on where you are located in the state.
Figuring out your exact planting zone can help you maximize your gardening success despite these weather fluctuations. This article outlines Massachusetts’ varying zones, highlighting key features and areas of each zone. For a more comprehensive guide on utilizing planting zones, see this article:
What planting zones are in Massachusetts?
Here is the map of Massachusetts showing the USDA hardiness zones:
The Massachusetts growing zones span from the chilly 5a and 5b in the Berkshires to the warmer 7b on Cape Cod and surrounding islands. As you move across the western part of the state, most areas fall under zone 6a.
On the east coast, especially near Boston and along coastal towns, many places are tagged as zone 7a. This means that while some parts might get winter temperatures dropping below zero degrees F, coastal regions often have milder winters, with lows just hitting between zero to 5 degrees F.
*Notes:
- The USDA map shows a tiny bit of zone 5a up high in the Berkshires, near Pittsfield. However, the majority of the region still remains in zone 5b, making it a sturdy choice for those in the higher altitudes.
- The Bay State has been slowly becoming warmer over time, leading to changes in planting zones on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Certain areas, especially around zone 6, have seen a half-zone shift toward warmer categories, indicating a rise in average minimum temperatures during winter.
Growing zones by city in Massachusetts
Massachusetts growing zones can vary slightly within cities due to microclimates created by urban heat islands, proximity to water bodies, or elevation changes.
Pro Tip: For the most accurate information, you should consult local extension offices or use the USDA’s interactive map to pinpoint their exact location.
Western Massachusetts (Zones 5a, 5b and 6b)
- Pittsfield (Zones 5a, 5b, and 6a)
- North Adams: Zones 5b and 6a
- Greenfield: Zones 5b and 6a
- Springfield: Zones 6a and 6b
- Amherst: Zones 5b and 6a
- Northampton: Zone 6a
Central Massachusetts (Zones 6a and 6b)
- Worcester: Zones 6a and 6b
- Fitchburg: Zone 6a
- Leominster: Zones 6a and 6b
Greater Boston (Zones 6b and 7a)
- Boston: Zones 6b and 7a
- Cambridge: Zone 6b
- Somerville: Zone 6b
- Newton: Zone 6b
- Quincy: Zones 6b and 7a
North Shore (Zones 6b and 7a)
- Salem: Zones 6b and 7a
- Lynn: Zones 6b and 7a
- Beverly: Zones 6b and 7a
South Shore (Zones 6b and 7a)
- Brockton: Zone 6b
- Plymouth: Zone 7a
- Weymouth: Zones 6b and 7a
- Quincy: Zones 6b and 7a
Cape Cod (Mainly zone 7a, with some 7b areas on the outer Cape)
- Hyannis: Zone 7a
- Falmouth: Zone 7a
The Islands (Zone 7a, with some 7b areas)
- Edgartown (Martha’s Vineyard): 7a and 7b
- Nantucket: 7b
Understanding planting zones in Massachusetts
USDA growing zones are useful for selecting grass and plants that are more likely to thrive in local weather. Each zone corresponds to average minimum winter temperatures – the lower the number, the colder it can get.
Zones range from 5a (colder) to 7b (warmer).
Your growing zone not only dictates what will thrive in your garden, but it can advise on the best for seeding and other important lawn care tasks. For detailed guidance, explore:
- “When to Plant Grass Seed Massachusetts”
- “The Best Grass Seed for Massachusetts Lawns”
- “Lawn Care Calendar Massachusetts”
Zone 5a (-20°F to -15°F)
This growing zone records winter temperatures reaching lows between -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s mostly found in the higher altitudes of the Berkshires.
Key characteristics:
- Short growing season;
- Cold winters with heavy snowfall;
- Cool to mild summers.
Zone 5b (-15°F to -10°F)
This climate zone typically experiences winter lows between -15°F to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s the coldest growing zone found in Massachusetts, notably in the Berkshire Mountains region.
Key characteristics:
- Short growing season (typically 120 to 150 days);
- Cold winters with heavy snowfall;
- Cool to mild summers.
Zone 6a (-10°F to -5°F)
Located all over Central Massachusetts and some parts of Western and Eastern Massachusetts, zone 6a has winter lows that fall between -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key characteristics:
- Moderate growing season (150-180 days);
- Cold winters, but not as severe as zone 5;
- Warm summers.
Zone 6b (-5°F to 0°F)
This zone, arching its way around Boston and parts of the South Shore, allows more growing freedom regarding what could thrive with less regard for cold tolerance.
Key characteristics:
- Longer growing season (180-200 days);
- Cold winters but milder compared to zones 5 and 6a;
- Hot summers.
Zone 7a (0°F to 5°F)
This warmer zone clusters mostly around coastal towns, often found in Eastern Massachusetts and across Cape Cod. Being one of the milder zones experienced throughout Massachusetts, homeowners in this area enjoy winter lows that hit between 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a relatively warm winter compared to other parts of the state.
Key characteristics:
- Very long growing season (200 to 210 days);
- Extremely mild winters;
- Moderated summer temperatures due to ocean influence.
Zone 7b (5°F to 10°F)
This zone appears in the warmest parts of Massachusetts – mainly the outer Cape and surrounding islands like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. In zone 7b, winter temperatures usually fluctuate between 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key characteristics:
- Very long growing season (210 to 220 days);
- Extremely mild winters;
- Moderated summer temperatures due to ocean influence.
Call a lawn care pro for help
With the bustle of life, tending to your garden may not always be at the top of your to-do list. Or perhaps you simply prefer leaving this task in more experienced hands. No matter what your reasons might be, do know that you can always rely on a lawn care expert right here in Massachusetts.
Whether you live in Boston, Cambridge, Springfield, or Worcester, Lawn Love connects you with the best local gardening services that can understand the specific conditions of Massachusetts’ growing zones.
Moreover, if you’re looking for someone to care for your overall lawn needs, we also have professionals near you who provide services suited for every season.
Main Image Credit: Doug Kerr | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
