Erving, MA — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
Franklin County, Massachusetts gardeners: here's your June plan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Begin indoor sowing: basil, cucumber, and kale
These need a head start before your last frost (May 9). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
-
Bring in the carrots, lettuce, and radish
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: peppers, pole beans, and tomatoes
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
Erving gardens in a maritime climate — mild wet winters, cool dry summers (37" annual rainfall, most of it October to April). Cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, kale, and brassicas thrive almost year-round. The challenge is summer heat: long-season warm-weather crops (full-size tomatoes, peppers, melons) need every bit of summer sun, so prioritize short-season varieties, use dark mulches to warm the soil, and reserve your warmest microclimates (south-facing walls, near pavement) for the tender stuff.
Soils trend Silt Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Drought pressure is moderate (13.0 weeks/year on average). Mulching and drip irrigation pay for themselves quickly.
🌡️ USDA Zone
5b (-15°F to -10°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 9
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 11
📅 Growing Season
155 days
🌧️ Climate
Moderate 37.2" annual
💨 Wind
Calm 5.5 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
13.0 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Erving
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
Why this matters: Over-watering kills more plants than under-watering. Erving's 37" annual rainfall changes the gardening playbook — humid-region gardeners often water by the calendar when they should water by the soil moisture.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.9 in | 12 days | — | None |
| Feb | 3.1 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Mar | 3.4 in | 10 days | — | None |
| Apr | 3.2 in | 9 days | 1.1 in | Moderate |
| May | 4.1 in | 11 days | 0.2 in | Low |
| Jun | 4 in | 12 days | 0.3 in | Low |
| Jul | 4.2 in | 11 days | 0.1 in | Low |
| Aug | 3.5 in | 11 days | 0.8 in | Moderate |
| Sep | 3.6 in | 8 days | 0.7 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 4 in | 8 days | 0.3 in | Low |
| Nov | 3.4 in | 10 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2.8 in | 9 days | — | None |
Annual total: 42.2 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Erving Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 21 | Oct 23 | 155 days |
| Cautious | May 14 | Oct 16 | 155 days |
| Average year | May 9 | Oct 11 | 155 days |
| Optimistic | Apr 30 | Oct 4 | 157 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 24 | Sep 24 | 153 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±27 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 6.4 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Franklin County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Franklin County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Franklin County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Franklin County University of Massachusetts Extension Extension Office
Phone: 413-545-0895
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Franklin County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Franklin County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Franklin County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Franklin County MA" or "garden center Franklin County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Franklin County MA" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Franklin County Gardeners" or "Massachusetts Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Erving
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
What this means for you: Onions are a great example of why day length matters. They "bulb up" only when daylight hits a specific number of hours — plant the wrong variety (short-day in the north, long-day in the south) and you'll get tiny bulbs no matter how well you grow them. Erving's latitude determines which onion varieties succeed.
Longest Day
15.1 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.9 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
8.3 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.2 hr | 3.4 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.3 hr | 4.5 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.7 hr | 5.3 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.2 hr | 6.2 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.4 hr | 7.3 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.1 hr | 8.3 hr | Long day |
| July | 14.8 hr | 8.2 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.7 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 6.5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.8 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.5 hr | 3.6 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.9 hr | 3.2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Erving
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
The practical takeaway: Soil temperature is a leading indicator. A black plastic mulch can warm soil 5-10°F faster than bare ground — meaningful in Erving's spring if you're trying to plant tomatoes earlier.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22°F | 32°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 24°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 31°F | 35°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 43°F | 43°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 59°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 69°F | 65°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 76°F | 72°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 76°F | 75°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 70°F | 69°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 59°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 43°F | 49°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Dec | 28°F | 37°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Erving
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
The practical takeaway: Pest and disease pressure is the X-factor most beginners under-plan for. Erving's climate determines whether you can mostly "plant and see" or whether you need a pest-management routine from the first seedling.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Moderate — watch for mildew and blight during wet periods.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Low | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
Organic pest management tips
- Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
- Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
- Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
- Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
- Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years
Cover Crops for Erving
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
The practical takeaway: In Erving, cover crops also crowd out weeds. The denser the cover, the less weed pressure next season. Pays for itself in saved weeding time.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 22 | Aug 9 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 14 | Aug 9 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 8 | Aug 16 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Jun 2 | Sep 13 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (6 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 15 | Apr 25 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 24 | Apr 18 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Aug 1 | Apr 18 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 4 | Apr 25 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 10 | Apr 25 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 19 | Apr 25 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Erving
Why this matters: A 10 mph wind doesn't feel like much, but it triples leaf transpiration vs. still air. Erving's 5.5 mph average means most days are gentle on plants, but consider how a 20+ mph spring gust would affect a flat of seedlings hardened off too quickly.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 14 mph Summer: 12 mph
Fall: 12 mph Winter: 15 mph
Prevailing wind: W. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the W side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
6.7/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (234 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Erving
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
For new gardeners: A single rain barrel under a downspout catches 50 gallons in a 0.5" storm. Erving's 37" annual rainfall means even modest harvesting systems quickly amortize their cost in water savings.
Annual Collection
21,032 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 750 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
May, Jun, Jul, Oct
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 42.2 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 21,032 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Erving
105 vegetables matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Erving.
Show all 105 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 19 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 10 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 18 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 29 – Oct 24 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 16 | — | — | Aug 15 – Oct 3 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 8 – Oct 3 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Sep 26 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 10 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 22 – Sep 26 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 22 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 19 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 16 | — | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 16 | — | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | May 23 – Jun 13 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 8 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 18 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 19 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 16 | — | — | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 3 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 30 | Nov 29 – Feb 14 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 16 | — | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 23 | — | Sep 26 – Nov 7 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Nov 7 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Sep 5 – Oct 10 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Sep 19 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 16 | — | — | Aug 15 – Sep 19 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 8 – Oct 24 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 16 | — | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 19 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | May 16 – Jun 13 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 15 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 18 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Aug 8 – Sep 19 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 8 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 3 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 10 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 10 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 11 – Aug 15 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | May 23 – Jun 13 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Jul 18 – Aug 22 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Aug 8 – Sep 19 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 29 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 21 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 16 | — | — | Aug 8 – Oct 3 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Sep 19 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 12 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 10 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 23 | — | Sep 12 – Nov 7 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 16 | — | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 10 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 3 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 3 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 25 | — | Aug 2 | Jun 6 – Jul 11 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 9 | Aug 2 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 19 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 16 | — | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 10 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Erving
27 fruits matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Erving.
Show all 27 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 30 | — | Aug 29 – Nov 14 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 30 | — | Aug 8 – Sep 12 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 30 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 3 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 30 | — | Aug 22 – Oct 3 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 30 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 30 | — | Aug 29 – Nov 14 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Erving
34 herbs matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Erving.
Show all 34 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Aug 1 – Oct 17 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 21 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 31 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Aug 15 – Oct 17 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 21 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 31 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 5 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 4 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 2 | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 21 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 16 | — | Sep 19 – Oct 31 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Erving
51 flowers matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Erving.
Show all 51 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 21 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Oct 10 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 30 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 11 | — | May 9 | — | Jun 13 – Jul 11 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 7 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 17 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 28 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 17 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 14 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 7 | — | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 9 | — | Jun 27 – Sep 26 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 24 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 7 | May 16 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Nov 14 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 11 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 17 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 30 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 30 | Jul 19 – Aug 9 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 11 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 7 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 7 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Nov 14 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 7 | Apr 11 | Apr 25 | — | Jun 13 – Sep 5 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Nov 14 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 14 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Nov 14 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 28 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 17 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 16 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 7 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 28 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Nov 14 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 30 | Aug 9 – Sep 6 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 28 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 31 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 14 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 24 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 22 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 11 | — | — | Jun 20 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 28 | — | May 30 | — | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 31 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 28 | — | May 2 | — | Jun 27 – Sep 12 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 28 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Oct 10 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 11 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Oct 24 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 28 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 14 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 24 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 7 | May 23 | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 31 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 4 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 4 – Oct 10 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 28 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 14 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 7 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 24 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 7 | — | May 23 | — | Sep 19 – Nov 28 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 28 | Apr 25 | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 18 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 24 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 21 | Apr 25 | May 9 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 29 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 28 | Apr 4 | May 9 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 30 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 21 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 17 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Nov 14 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 11 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 24 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Erving
ZIP Codes in Erving
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Franklin County.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log