Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 01844 — Methuen, MA

ZIP code 01844 (Methuen, Essex County) is in USDA zone 6b: the coldest winter night averages −5 to 0 °F. The median last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost October 28.

Where ZIP 01844 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone6b−5 to 0 °F

Coldest night−20.6 to −17.8 °C

Last frostApr 13

First frostOct 28

2012 zone6a

Was 6a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 6b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Methuen, MA…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Methuen, MA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostApril 13median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 29only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 28median — 10% chance by Oct 13

Growing season198 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 3 and returns around November 9.

From the NOAA station Lawrence, MA — 3 miles away, elevation 49 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 01844

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 23

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 2 – Feb 16

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 23 – Apr 6

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 6

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 6

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 16 – Mar 2

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 20 – May 4

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 2 – Feb 16

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 27 – May 11

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 2 – Sep 16

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 14 – Nov 18

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 13) and first fall frost (Oct 28) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 01844 came on Apr 9 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 10).

average
Apr 102026
Apr 9

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Soil in Methuen, MA

The center of ZIP 01844 is mapped as Water: built-over ground without natural soil data. Garden soil here is usually imported or disturbed — test before you plant.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 01844; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Methuen, MA

Summer high83 °Faverage high, July

Winter low20 °Faverage low, January

Hot days14days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights124nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,006base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 20 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 02 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation49.3 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Lawrence, MA (3 mi away); precipitation: Lawrence, MA (3 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Massachusetts planting zones →

Questions about 01844

What planting zone is ZIP code 01844?

ZIP code 01844 (Methuen, MA) is in USDA hardiness zone 6b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −5 to 0 °F (−20.6 to −17.8 °C).

When is the last frost in Methuen, MA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 01844 is April 13; after April 29 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Lawrence station.

When is the first frost in Methuen, MA?

The median first fall frost near 01844 is October 28, giving a median frost-free growing season of 198 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 01844?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 16 – Mar 2 and set transplants outside around Apr 20 – May 4, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 01844 get?

About 49.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Lawrence station).

How hot do summers get in Methuen, MA?

The average high peaks at 83 °F in July, with about 14 days a year at 90 °F or more.

Did spring come early in Methuen, MA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 01844 came on Apr 9 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 10), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Methuen, MA?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 01844 is 15 h 20 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 01844 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 01844 in zone 6a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.