When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Massachusetts
Zucchini and yellow squash are the garden's most generous producers. You'll be sharing with neighbors by midsummer.
The Short Answer
Massachusetts Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Massachusetts you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Massachusetts | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 10 |
| Central Massachusetts | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Coastal/Cape | 6b, 7a | Apr 15 - May 1 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Squash (Summer) Planting Schedule for Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 10
Central Massachusetts (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Coastal/Cape (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Squash (Summer) in Massachusetts
Squash (Summer) in Massachusetts's Climate
Your warm summers grow spectacular squash. Direct sow or transplant from mid-May. Squash vine borer emerges in late June — monitor stem bases for sawdust-like frass. Many Midwest and mid-Atlantic gardeners plant a second round in early July to replace borer-damaged early plants with clean late-season production.
Soil Considerations for Massachusetts
Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Raised beds popular. Amend heavily with compost. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting squash (summer) outside.
Massachusetts Climate & Growing Season
Four seasons. Maritime influence moderates coastal areas. Cold winters. Good growing season with adequate moisture. Squash (Summer) cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Massachusetts: Western Massachusetts (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Coastal/Cape (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 1. This difference matters for squash (summer) — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor. Larger squash become seedy and tough.
Companion Planting
Plant squash (summer) alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep squash (summer) away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026