What to plant in December in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts (MA), December sits about 19 weeks before the average last frost (April 24). The state averages 173 frost-free days a year (last frost April 24, first frost October 14; USDA zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
Almost nothing is due to be sown in December - it's a month for planning, ordering seed and looking after what's already growing.
Dates here come from Massachusetts frost dates (last frost Apr 24, first frost Oct 14). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in Massachusetts
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Massachusetts: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Massachusetts
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
A planning month: December garden jobs in Massachusetts
- Order seed while stock is good. Massachusetts's average last frost is April 24, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 30 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - December is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Massachusetts in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Massachusetts in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Massachusetts in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Massachusetts have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 27.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Massachusetts in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Massachusetts have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 20.
When is the first frost in Massachusetts?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 14 and the last spring frost around April 24. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Massachusetts’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.