Late April and May are some of the most exciting months for gardeners in Massachusetts. After a long winter, the soil begins to warm, days grow longer, and the planting season truly begins. If you’re eager to get your hands in the dirt, knowing what to plant during this window can set you up for a colorful, delicious, and thriving garden throughout the summer.

In Massachusetts, timing your planting around the last frost date is key. While coastal areas of the North Shore might experience slightly milder conditions, most of the region sees its last frost between late April and mid-May. It’s always safest to watch the weather forecast closely before planting tender crops, but plenty of cool-weather plants can be started earlier without worry.

For vegetable gardeners, late April is the perfect time to sow hardy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula directly into the ground. These crops not only tolerate chilly nights but often thrive in them, producing sweeter and crisper leaves. Root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and beets can also be planted now, as they prefer the cooler soil and will mature just in time for early summer harvests. Brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage love the spring weather too, and planting them early gives them a head start before the heat of summer arrives.

Herbs are another fantastic category to focus on during late April and May. Hardy varieties like parsley, cilantro, and dill can be planted in early spring. If you’re dreaming of fresh basil and rosemary, though, it’s best to wait until mid- to late-May when the nights stay consistently above 50 degrees. A small kitchen herb garden near a sunny doorstep is not only practical but adds an instant touch of greenery to your space.

When it comes to flowers, spring is an opportunity to create stunning beds and containers. Cold-tolerant annuals like pansies, violas, and snapdragons can go into the ground early, adding color even when nights dip into the 40s. By May, gardeners can safely start planting summer-loving blooms such as dahlias, marigolds, petunias, and zinnias. If you’re shopping at Nunan Garden Center in late spring, look for vibrant annuals and healthy seedlings that are hardened off and ready for transplanting.

If you’re working on perennial gardens, May is also the ideal time to add new perennials to your landscape. Massachusetts gardeners often favor hearty plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and peonies, all of which establish strong roots when planted in spring and return reliably year after year. Nunan Garden Center will likely have a wide selection of Massachusetts-hardy perennials perfect for building out your long-term garden plans.

One important tip for anyone planting in Massachusetts in late April and May is to be mindful of soil temperature. Even though the air may feel warm, the soil often lags behind. Using a simple soil thermometer can help ensure that tender plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are not planted too early. Most summer crops prefer soil temperatures consistently above 60 degrees to thrive.

For those planting fruit, now is the time to consider berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. These hardy plants can be set into well-prepared beds in the spring and will reward you with delicious harvests for years to come. Many garden centers offer berry plants that are already one or two years old, giving you a jumpstart toward your first harvest.

Whether you’re dreaming of fresh vegetables, a sea of colorful blooms, or a yard buzzing with pollinators, late April and May offer a fresh start for your Massachusetts garden. Take advantage of the lengthening days and warming soil to build the foundation for a beautiful, bountiful season ahead. With a little planning, a visit to your favorite North Shore garden center, and the right plants, you’ll be rewarded with a garden that thrives all summer long — and perhaps even beyond.