State growing guide
Maryland Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7a · Last frost Apr 7 · First frost Nov 3 · 210 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Maryland.
Frost Dates by City — Maryland
Average frost dates for major Maryland cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 7a | Apr 5 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
| Rockville | 7a | Apr 5 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
| Annapolis | 7a | Apr 5 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
| Frederick | 6b | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Cumberland | 6a | Apr 25 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Salisbury | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Maryland Gardeners
- Baltimore gardeners transplant tomatoes late April to early May
- Eastern Shore of Maryland (Zone 7b) can plant 2 weeks earlier
- Western Maryland mountains (Zone 6a) see last frost into late April
Common Challenges in Maryland
- ⚠ Stink bugs are endemic in Maryland and damage fruit crops heavily
- ⚠ High summer humidity brings tomato diseases — crop rotation and copper fungicide
Best Crops for Maryland
Tomatoes Peppers Sweet Corn Cucumbers Watermelon Kale Beets Beans Squash
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Maryland
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland Gardening
What zone is Maryland?
Maryland spans Zones 5b (western mountains) to 7b (eastern shore). Baltimore is Zone 7a, the Eastern Shore is Zone 7b, and Western Maryland is Zone 6a.