Whately, MA frost dates
How Whately compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Whately falls between April 21 and May 16, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 29 and October 25.
- The median last frost is 5 days later than the Massachusetts median of Apr 27.
- Its 160-day growing season is longer than 24% of the 510 Massachusetts places with a regular frost season (state median 169 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6a, where the median is Apr 29.
- The weather station records an average of 153 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Chicopee, MA, 31 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there and the growing season is 2 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 21 |
| 50% (median) | May 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 29 |
| 50% (median) | October 9 |
| 90% (late) | October 25 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Whately, MA
Whately, MA frost dates — last frost May 2, first frost Oct 9, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Whately, MA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 4 – May 9 | Aug 14 – Sep 11 |
| Kale | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Broccoli | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Cabbage | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Okra | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Basil | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 28 – May 9 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 23 | May 9 – May 23 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | — | May 9 – May 23 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | — | May 9 – May 23 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 11 – May 9 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 11 – May 9 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 9 – May 30 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 9 – May 23 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 16 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 25 – Oct 30 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Leverett #2, MA weather station, 10 km away (elevation 315 ft (96 m)).
Frost dates near Whately
- North Hatfield May 5 · Oct 8
- South Deerfield May 2 · Oct 9
- West Hatfield May 5 · Oct 8
- Sunderland May 2 · Oct 9
- Hatfield May 5 · Oct 8
- Haydenville May 5 · Oct 8
- Conway May 1 · Oct 11
- North Amherst May 5 · Oct 8
- Leeds May 5 · Oct 8
- Williamsburg May 13 · Oct 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Whately, MA?
The median last spring frost in Whately, MA is May 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Whately, MA?
The median first fall frost is October 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Whately, MA?
About 160 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Whately, MA?
Whately, MA is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.