What to plant this week in Boston, MA
With the last frost in Boston averaging just four days away on April 3, it is now critical time to shield your early spring crops from this week's lingering freeze risks. While many warm-season giants like tomatoes are still too vulnerable for the field, you can safely start sowing cool-loving greens and hardy perennials that thrive here before summer heat arrives.
The next 7 days
Boston, MAGrowing in Boston right now
- Boston's heavy clay-loam soil retains moisture well in winter but requires careful drainage checks now to prevent root rot as temperatures rise above freezing.
- The city's 'urban heat island' effect allows you to extend the window for starting tender annuals by a week compared to rural surrounding towns, but do not rush transplants until after April 10.
- Local rainfall patterns often bring sudden spring showers; ensure raised beds and container gardens have excellent drainage to handle the wet soil typical of the Boston area.
- Protect garlic plants planted last fall from potential late-spring freezes by applying a light mulch layer if temperatures dip near zero overnight.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
37 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans or carrots every two weeks to extend your summer harvest window.
- Pinch back the tips of basil and Italian herbs like summer savory to encourage bushier growth before frost.
- Start planning your fall crop rotation; avoid planting nightshades in beds that held them last year.
- Apply a light layer of compost around perennials now to strengthen roots for winter dormancy.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early season aphid colonies forming on emerging broccoli and cabbage seedlings as they break dormancy in this humid spring climate.
- Slugs and snails are highly active during these cool, damp Boston springs; inspect low-growing transplants daily before the soil fully dries out.
- Powdery mildew may begin appearing on squash and melon varieties once temperatures consistently stay above 50°F combined with high humidity.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to keep roots hydrated during heat waves while reducing fungal risks on leafy greens.
Harvest watermelons when they make a hollow sound upon tapping, ensuring you get the sweetest fruit before the first frost hits.
Boston gardening questions
3Can I transplant my tomato seedlings outside in Boston this week?
No, wait until at least April 10 when the ground has fully thawed and nights stay reliably above 40°F. Transplanting now risks killing your investment before the last frost date of April 3 passes safely.
What cool-season crops can I still sow in Boston garden soil right now?
Focus on leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and peas which tolerate the current chill well. You can also direct-sow garlic cloves or onion sets if your specific variety handles spring planting better than fall.
My squash plants are showing white powder leaves; is this normal for Boston weather?
This is likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue in our humid springs that thrives when humidity is high and airflow is poor. Spray affected areas with a baking soda solution immediately to stop the spread before it defoliates your crop.
Other cities in zone 7a
12See the full zone 7a guide → · Plan your Boston garden in SproutGuide →