• Choosing the right vegetable for Massachusetts' growing conditions will yield a great bounty.Chris Ted/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists Massachusetts under zones 4, 5, 6 and 7 for plant hardiness. The average low temperature in Massachusetts is -20 degrees to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Most vegetables can be grown in Massachusetts, although certain "long day" varieties have more success in shorter seasons. Generally, soil conditions vary from garden to garden, and after an initial soil survey, conditions can be amended with the addition of organic matter.
  
  

Kale

• Certain kale is purplish-green and adds interesting color to the garden.Bed of ornamental cabbage, or kale, focus on white leaves image by GeoM from Fotolia.com
  
  Kale is a cold-season leafy vegetable. It is very cold-hardy and grows best in spring and autumn but can be over-wintered to produce dark, nutrient-rich green leaves through the coldest months of the year.
  
  Well-drained loam is the ideal soil for kale. Clay-like soil can be improved with the addition of compost. Seeds can be planted in Massachusetts in early May for a fall crop. Plants should be thinned to 10 inches apart after initial planting in rows approximately 18 inches apart. Kale can be harvested when leaves feel firm and are a rich green color.
  
  

Squash

• Squash grow on long, indeterminate vines.Squash image by nix pix from Fotolia.com
  
  Squash is a fruiting vegetables that needs the heat of summer in order for fruit to set. Squash is separated into two general categories: summer squash and winter squash. Summer squash need as much warmth as possible to fruit. Skin is tender, yet firm, and fruits grow on prickly, wandering vines. Winter squash grow for the entirety of summer and can be harvested in autumn. Winter squash also come in all shapes, sizes and colors and need ample space to sprawl. Unlike summer squash, winter squash store extremely well in a cool place for extended periods of time.
  
  Fertile, light soil is ideal for squash. Enriching with compost or a well-balanced fertilizer before planting will help to retain moisture in the soil. Squash should be planted when soil is warm, around mid-May. Since the growing season is shorter in parts of Massachusetts, it is wise to start seeds indoor in peat pots to be transplanted outdoors six weeks later. The hill method is best; soil should be well composted and watered before planting. For summer squash, mound soil 3 feet apart; for winter squash mound soil, approximately 7 feet apart. Plant multiple seedlings in each hill and thin to the three strongest seedlings when plants are several inches high.
  
  

Onions

• Onions can be planted as soon as ground is workable, generally around the middle of March.onions image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Root vegetables are usually grown only for their roots, as one would imagine, but the greens of some root vegetables can also be consumed. Roots store very well in the winter months and when well mulched, often can be left in the soil until needed. The onion family, which includes onions, shallots, leeks and garlic, are very good growers for colder climates. Generally, the onion family likes cool weather and can be over-wintered with good success. These vegetables also store well in a cool, dry place.
  
  A light, fertile, mellow soil is best for the onion family. Compost and well-rotted manure should be worked into the soil prior to planting. Soil should be free of stones and moisture retentive. Onions, shallots, and leeks can be planted as soon the ground is workable, toward the middle of March in Massachusetts. Onions should be planted in rows 1 foot apart with 3 to 4 inches between plants (different varieties will specify spacing). Shallots should be planted about 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Seedlings of leeks are planted in rows 2 feet apart and set in trenches 6 inches deep. There should be approximately 6 inches between plants.
  
  

Beans

• Beans kept well-picked yield a heavy crop.Green beans image by Christopher Martin from Fotolia.com
  
  Beans come in all shapes and sizes. Many beans require longer growing seasons but some varieties, such as the great Northern bean, do especially well in short seasons. Beans grow on long vines or as bush-like plants, depending on the variety.
  
  Warm soil is essential for beans. Soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH range between 6 and 7. Fertile loam soil is good for bush variety beans. Fertilizers should be used sparingly, if at all. As with other plants, too much fertilizer will promote foliage growth and inhibit fruit. Beans are easily killed by frost, so soil should be warm. In Massachusetts, seeds can be planted in May and planted successively through the summer. Pole beans should be planted at the base of a tepee-style structure; three 6-foot poles should be placed in the ground and fashioned together at the top with twine. A hill should be formed at the base of each pole, planted with approximately seven seeds, then thinned to three after true leaves have appeared. Bush bean seeds can be planted in rows 2 feet apart, 1 to 2 inches deep. Allow 2 inches between seeds.