When To Plant In Maryland

Knowing when to plant in Maryland is the single biggest factor for a thriving garden. Get your timing right, and you set the stage for a season of abundance; get it wrong, and you’ll be fighting an uphill battle. This guide cuts through the confusion to give you clear, practical planting schedules tailored to Maryland’s unique climate.

Our state straddles USDA Hardiness Zones 5b through 8a, meaning we get a taste of northern chills and southern heat. This variety is a gift, but it demands smart planning. We’ll break it down by season and plant type, so you can work with Maryland’s weather, not against it.

This core calendar is your starting point. Remember, Maryland is long from the mountains to the coast, so use these dates as a guide and adjust for your local microclimate. A good rule is to watch soil temperature and condition, not just the calendar.

Understanding Your Frost Dates

Everything revolves around frost. Your average last spring frost and first fall frost dates create your growing window.

Western Maryland (Zones 5b-6b): Last spring frost around May 10-15. First fall frost around October 10-15.
Central Maryland/Piedmont (Zones 6b-7a): Last spring frost around April 15-25. First fall frost around October 20-30.
Southern MD & Eastern Shore (Zones 7b-8a): Last spring frost around April 5-15. First fall frost around November 1-10.

These are averages. Always have some row cover or protection ready for a suprise late cold snap.

Spring Planting Schedule

Spring is a season of two halves: the cool early period and the warm late period. Patience is key.

Early Spring (4-6 Weeks Before Last Frost)

This is for hardy crops that tolerate light frosts and cold soil. You can direct sow seeds right into the garden.

Vegetables: Peas, spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula, radishes, carrots, beets, and turnips.
Transplants: Onion sets, bare-root asparagus, and rhubarb crowns can go in.
Tip: If the soil is too wet and clumpy, wait. Working soggy soil ruins its structure.

Mid-Spring (2-4 Weeks Before Last Frost)

Time for semi-hardy crops. You can start seeds indoors for warm-season plants now.

Vegetables: Direct sow Swiss chard, collards, and more lettuce. Plant seed potatoes.
Transplants: You can begin to plant out started broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seedlings.

After Last Frost Date

The main event! This is when summer’s stars go into the ground. Soil is warm and danger of frost is minimal.

Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, beans, corn, and melons.
Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and other tender herbs. Rosemary often overwinters in warmer zones.
Annual Flowers: Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and other summer blooms.

Fall Planting Schedule

Fall is a secret second spring in Maryland. Many crops thrive in the cool, crisp weather. Planning starts in mid-summer.

Late Summer to Early Fall (6-12 Weeks Before First Frost)

You’re sowing crops for harvest in fall and even winter. Count back from your first frost date.

For Harvest in Fall: Direct sow carrots, beets, and bush beans about 10 weeks before frost. Plant quick greens like lettuce and spinach 6-8 weeks before.
For Overwintering: Sow garlic cloves in October for a July harvest. Onion sets for green onions can be planted in late fall too.

Its amazing how productive the fall garden can be with a little planning ahead.

Seasonal Planting Tips & Tricks

A few extra strategies will make your timing even more effective.

Using Succession Planting

Don’t harvest a crop and leave the space empty. Succession planting keeps your garden productive.

After harvesting spring peas, replant that space with bush beans.
Follow early lettuce with a planting of Swiss chard.
After garlic is harvested in July, use the area for a fall crop of kale or broccoli.

Listening to Soil and Weather

The calendar gives clues, but nature gives the final say.

Soil Temperature: Use a soil thermometer. Tomatoes and peppers need soil above 60°F. Peas and spinach germinate in soil as cool as 40°F.
Soil Moisture: The “mud test” is simple. Grab a handful of soil. If it holds together in a muddy ball, it’s too wet. If it crumbles easily, it’s perfect.
Weather Forecast: Always check the 10-day forecast before planting tender seedlings. A cold, rainy week after planting can stunt growth.

Common Maryland Planting Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch for.

Planting Too Early: The biggest mistake! Warm-season plants stunted by cold won’t ever fully recover. Its better to wait a week.
Ignoring Crop Rotation: Don’t plant the same family (like tomatoes/peppers/eggplant) in the same spot year after year. It invites disease and depletes soil.
Forgetting to Harden Off: Never take indoor seedlings and put them straight in the sun. Acclimate them outdoors over 7-10 days to prevent shock.
Overlooking Fall Potential: Letting the garden sit empty after August is a missed opportunity for your tastiest greens of the year.

Maryland Garden FAQ

When is the best time to plant perennials and shrubs in Maryland?
Fall (September-October) is ideal. The warm soil and cool air encourages root growth without the stress of summer heat, giving them a head start for spring. Spring planting is also fine, but requires more attentive watering.

What can I plant in Maryland in the summer?
For mid-summer planting, focus on crops for fall. In July, sow carrots, beans, and cucumbers. In August, turn to kale, collards, and start your lettuce and spinach seeds for fall transplants.

How do I adjust planting times for containers?
Container soil warms up faster in spring, so you can plant a little earlier. However, it also freezes faster in fall, so your season ends sooner. Use containers for quick crops like lettuce and herbs to extend your season on patios.

Is it to late to start a garden in May?
Not at all! May is perfect for planting all the warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and flowers. You can also still plant fast-growing crops like beans and cucumbers well into June.

By aligning your gardening tasks with Maryland’s natural rhythms, you reduce work and increase rewards. Keep a simple garden journal each year noting what you planted when and how it performed. This personal record will become your most valuable tool for knowing exactly when to plant in your own backyard for optimal success.