What Type of Soil Is in Boston, MA (02101)?
Soil Profile
| Soil Type | Loam |
|---|---|
| Soil Series | Charlton |
| pH Range | 5.5 - 6.5 (Slightly Acidic) |
| Drainage | Well Drained |
| Organic Matter | 0.0% (Very Low) |
| Water Holding Capacity | 0.19 in/in (High) |
| USDA Zone | Zone 6b (min -5°F) |
| Hydrologic Group | B |
What This Means for Your Garden
The dominant soil in Boston, MA is Loam soil. Loam is considered the gold standard for gardening. It holds moisture without getting soggy, provides good nutrient retention, and has a loose enough structure for roots to spread easily. Most vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees perform well in loamy conditions.
The pH in your area ranges from 5.5 - 6.5, which is classified as Slightly Acidic. This near-neutral range is ideal for most garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and the majority of common vegetables and flowers.
Your USDA hardiness zone is 6b, meaning winter lows can reach around -5 degrees Fahrenheit. This determines which perennials, trees, and shrubs will survive winter in your area. Check the plant recommendations below for varieties suited to both your soil and climate.
Best Plants for Your Soil & Zone
These plants thrive in Loam soil and USDA zone 6b.
Vegetables
Tomato
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 24-36 inches
Pepper
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Carrot
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 2-3 inches
Potato
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 12-15 inches
Lettuce
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; keep consistently moist
Spacing: 6-12 inches
Beans (Green/Snap)
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 4-6 inches (bush), 6-8 inches (pole)
Peas
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 2-4 inches
Cucumber
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; consistent moisture critical
Spacing: 36-60 inches
Squash (Summer/Winter)
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 36-60 inches
Broccoli
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-1.5 inches/week
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Cabbage
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-1.5 inches/week
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Corn (Sweet)
Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)
Water: Regular, 1.5-2 inches/week; critical at tasseling
Spacing: 12-15 inches in blocks
Onion
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; reduce near harvest
Spacing: 4-6 inches
Garlic
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate, 0.5-1 inch/week; stop watering 2 weeks before harvest
Spacing: 6 inches
Radish
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; keep evenly moist
Spacing: 1-2 inches
Spinach
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-1.5 inches/week
Spacing: 4-6 inches
Kale
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-1.5 inches/week
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Beet
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 3-4 inches
Eggplant
Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 24-30 inches
Celery
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Water: Heavy, 2+ inches/week; never let soil dry out
Spacing: 8-10 inches
Asparagus
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 18 inches
Cauliflower
Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; consistent moisture critical
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Zucchini
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 36-48 inches
Pumpkin
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; reduce near harvest
Spacing: 60-96 inches
Fruits
Strawberry
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-1.5 inches/week; drip irrigation preferred
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Raspberry
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-1.5 inches/week
Spacing: 24-36 inches
Apple
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; deep watering preferred
Spacing: 15-25 feet (standard), 6-10 feet (dwarf)
Pear
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 15-20 feet (standard), 8-12 feet (dwarf)
Peach
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-1.5 inches/week
Spacing: 15-20 feet (standard), 8-10 feet (dwarf)
Grape
Sun: Full sun (7-8 hours)
Water: Moderate, 0.5-1 inch/week; drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 6-8 feet
Watermelon
Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; reduce at ripening
Spacing: 60-96 inches
Cantaloupe
Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; reduce at ripening
Spacing: 36-48 inches
Plum
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 15-20 feet (standard), 8-12 feet (dwarf)
Blackberry
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week during fruiting
Spacing: 3-5 feet
Flowers
Rose
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; deep watering preferred
Spacing: 24-48 inches
Sunflower
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate, 1 inch/week; drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 12-24 inches
Marigold
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 8-18 inches
Zinnia
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate, 1 inch/week; avoid overhead watering
Spacing: 6-18 inches
Tulip
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; well-drained essential
Spacing: 4-6 inches
Daffodil
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Moderate during growth; dry during dormancy
Spacing: 4-6 inches
Lily
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; well-drained essential
Spacing: 8-12 inches
Hydrangea
Sun: Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; moisture loving
Spacing: 36-60 inches
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Black-Eyed Susan
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; very drought tolerant
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Salvia
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant
Spacing: 12-24 inches
Yarrow
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low; very drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Peony
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 36-48 inches
Iris
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; good drainage essential
Spacing: 12-24 inches
Cosmos
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; too much water reduces blooms
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Chrysanthemum
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; avoid wet foliage
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Herbs
Mint
Sun: Partial shade to full sun (3-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; moisture loving
Spacing: 18-24 inches (container recommended)
Oregano
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings
Spacing: 12-15 inches
Cilantro (Coriander)
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 6-8 inches
Sage
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Dill
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 12-15 inches
Chives
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 8-12 inches
Tarragon (French)
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; well-drained essential
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Fennel
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Chamomile
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant
Spacing: 8-12 inches
Trees
Oak
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 30-50 feet
Maple
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular; consistent moisture preferred
Spacing: 25-45 feet
Pine
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant
Spacing: 15-30 feet
Cedar
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Moderate; tolerates drought once established
Spacing: 15-30 feet
Dogwood
Sun: Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular; consistent moisture preferred
Spacing: 15-25 feet
Magnolia
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular; consistent moisture preferred
Spacing: 20-40 feet
Birch
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular; moisture loving
Spacing: 20-30 feet
Willow
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Heavy; thrives near water sources
Spacing: 30-50 feet
Elm
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate; tolerates some drought
Spacing: 40-60 feet
Cherry (Ornamental)
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 20-30 feet
Apple Tree
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week
Spacing: 15-25 feet (standard), 6-10 feet (dwarf)
Pear Tree
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 15-20 feet (standard), 8-12 feet (dwarf)
Pecan
Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)
Water: Regular; deep watering preferred
Spacing: 40-60 feet
Walnut
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Regular; deep roots access groundwater
Spacing: 40-60 feet
Cypress (Bald)
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Heavy; tolerates standing water and flooding
Spacing: 30-50 feet
Shrubs
Boxwood
Sun: Partial shade to full sun (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; consistent moisture
Spacing: 24-48 inches
Azalea
Sun: Partial shade (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week; keep consistently moist
Spacing: 36-60 inches
Rhododendron
Sun: Partial shade (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; moisture loving
Spacing: 48-72 inches
Holly
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 36-72 inches
Lilac
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 60-96 inches
Hydrangea
Sun: Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours)
Water: Regular, 1-2 inches/week; moisture loving
Spacing: 36-72 inches
Forsythia
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate; tolerates some drought
Spacing: 48-72 inches
Juniper
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Low; very drought tolerant once established
Spacing: 24-96 inches (varies by species)
Privet
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Moderate; tolerates drought once established
Spacing: 24-48 inches (hedge), 60-96 inches (specimen)
Viburnum
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Regular, 1 inch/week
Spacing: 48-96 inches
Barberry
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant
Spacing: 36-60 inches
Spirea
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: Moderate; tolerates some drought
Spacing: 36-60 inches
How to Improve Your Soil
Here are the top amendments recommended for Loam soil:
- Compost — Maintains organic matter levels and soil structure
- Mulch — Protects soil structure and adds organic matter
- Balanced Fertilizer — Replenishes nutrients removed by crops
- Cover Crops — Prevents erosion and adds organic matter
Nearby Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil is in Boston, MA (02101)?
02101 has Loam soil based on USDA soil survey data. It is well drained with a pH range of 5.5 - 6.5.
What USDA hardiness zone is 02101?
Boston, MA (02101) is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, with minimum winter temperatures around -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
What grows well in Loam soil?
Loam soil works well for many common garden plants. Check the plant recommendations section above for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and trees that thrive in this soil type and zone 6b.
How do I improve Loam soil for gardening?
The best approach is to add organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. See our full amendment guide for Loam soil for step-by-step instructions.
Where does this soil data come from?
All soil data on MySoilType comes from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey, the most comprehensive source of soil information in the United States.