Knowing when to plant vegetables in Maryland is the single most important factor for a great harvest. Getting your timing right means healthier plants and bigger yields, so let’s break down the schedule for our unique climate.
Maryland’s gardening zones range from 5b in the western mountains to 8a on the Eastern Shore. This means our last spring frost dates can vary by over a month. For most of the state’s population centers, like Baltimore and the DC suburbs, the average last frost falls between mid-April and early May. Your first fall frost typically arrives in late October or early November. These two dates frame your entire growing season.
When To Plant Vegetables In Maryland
This guide uses the “average last frost date” as your anchor. For simplicity, we’ll use April 20th as a benchmark. You should adjust these dates based on your specific location. Your local county extension office is a fantastic resource for hyper-local advice.
Understanding Your Planting Categories
Vegetables fall into three main groups based on their cold tolerance. This determines when you get them in the ground.
- Cool-Season Crops: These thrive in cooler temps and can handle a light frost. They are planted in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
- Warm-Season Crops: These need warm soil and air. They are frost-tender and must be planted after all danger of frost has passed.
- Direct Sow vs. Transplant: Some seeds go straight into the garden soil. Others benefit from a head start indoors or are purchased as young plants (transplants) from a garden center.
Your Spring Planting Schedule
Spring is a busy time! We start with the cold-hardy veggies and work our way to the heat-lovers.
Early Spring (4-6 Weeks Before Last Frost)
As soon as the soil is workable (not soggy), you can plant these seeds directly. This is often late March to early April.
- Peas
- Spinach
- Kale
- Lettuce & Arugula
- Radishes
- Carrots & Parsnips
- Beets & Swiss Chard
Potato tubers can also go in around this time. A common mistake is planting onions sets to late; get them in early for good bulb development.
Mid-Spring (2-4 Weeks Before Last Frost)
The soil is warming up. You can continue sowing cool-season seeds and also begin planting some hardy transplants.
- Transplant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seedlings.
- Direct sow more lettuce and root crops for a sucesion harvest.
- Plant onion seedlings or sets if you haven’t already.
After Last Frost (From Your Frost Date Forward)
This is the green light for your summer garden. Wait until nighttime temperatures are reliably above 50°F.
- Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and tomatillos.
- Direct sow beans, corn, cucumber, and squash seeds.
- Plant sweet potato slips.
- Transplant basil and other tender herbs.
Don’t rush warm-season crops. Cold soil will stunt their growth, making them more susceptible to pests and diesease.
Your Fall Planting Schedule
Fall gardening is often more productive and pleasant than spring! The key is working backward from your first fall frost date.
Mid to Late Summer (6-12 Weeks Before First Frost)
This is your main planting window for fall. You’ll often be sowing seeds in the heat of July and August.
- 10-12 weeks before frost: Start broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage seeds indoors for later transplant.
- 8-10 weeks before frost: Direct sow beets, carrots, and Swiss chard.
- 6-8 weeks before frost: Direct sow lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes. Transplant your earlier-started seedlings.
Providing shade for new seeds and consistent water is crucial for good germination in summer heat.
Late Season (On or After First Frost)
Some crops actually taste better after a frost, which sweetens them up. These can be harvested well into winter.
- Kale and collards become more flavorful.
- Parsnips can be left in the ground and harvested throughout winter.
Step-by-Step: How to Determine Your Exact Planting Dates
- Find Your Frost Dates: Use a reputable online tool or contact your local Master Gardener program. Note both spring and fall dates.
- Read Your Seed Packet: This is your best guide. It will say “plant after last frost” or “plant as soon as soil is workable.” It may give a specific number of “days to maturity,” which is vital for fall planting.
- Mark Your Calendar: Work backward for fall crops. For example, if a lettuce matures in 50 days and your first frost is Nov 1, plant by Sept 10th, adding a extra “harvest window” buffer.
- Watch the Weather, Not Just the Calendar: Be prepared to cover early spring or late fall plantings with row cover if a surprise frost is forecasted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Early: Impatience is a gardener’s biggest enemy. Warm soil is better than early planting for tomatoes and peppers.
- Ignoring Soil Temperature: A simple soil thermometer is a great investment. Beans need soil at least 60°F; tomatoes prefer 65°F+.
- Forgetting Succession Planting: Don’t plant all your lettuce at once. Sow small batches every two weeks for a continuous harvest instead of a glut.
- Not Rotating Crops: Avoid planting the same family (like tomatoes/peppers/eggplant) in the exact same spot year after year to prevent soil-borne problems.
FAQ: Maryland Vegetable Planting
Q: When should I start seeds indoors for Maryland?
A: Start tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. For fall broccoli and cabbage, start seeds indoors in early to mid-June.
Q: What can I plant in July in Maryland?
A: July is for fall crops! Plant beans, summer squash (early July), cucumbers, and start your direct sowings of carrots, beets, and leafy greens for fall.
Q: Is it to late to plant a garden in May?
A: Not at all! May is prime time for warm-season crops. You can plant tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans through late May with great results.
Q: What are the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners?
A: Start with lettuce, radishes, bush beans, zucchini, and tomatoes. They offer quick rewards and are relatively forgiving, which builds confidence.
Q: How do I protect plants from late frost?
A> Use floating row cover, cloches (like cut plastic bottles), or even old sheets. Avoid using plastic directly on foliage without support.
By following this Maryland-specific schedule and paying attention to your plants and the weather, you’ll set your garden up for its most productive year yet. Remember, gardening is part science and part learned experience—each season teaches you something new.