Maryland Planting Guide & Growing Season
Maryland is in USDA hardiness zone 6a-8a with a growing season of 195 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 10 and the average first fall frost is Oct 20.
Growing Conditions in Maryland
How Maryland Compares
Compare Maryland's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (MD) | 6a-8a | Apr 10 | Oct 20 | 195 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Maryland
When should I start seeds indoors in Maryland?
In Maryland, the average last frost date is Apr 10. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Maryland is 6a-8a, with a growing season of approximately 195 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Maryland?
Maryland falls in USDA hardiness zones 6a-8a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Maryland?
The average first frost date in Maryland is Oct 20. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Maryland?
Maryland has an average growing season of 195 days, from the last frost (Apr 10) to first frost (Oct 20). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.