Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Maryland

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

In Maryland, soil conditions are an important factor for potatoes. Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys. Direct sow 2 weeks before your last frost date.

Maryland Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Maryland you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Maryland 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore 7a, 7b, 8a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Maryland

Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Maryland

Potatoes in Maryland's Climate

Plant seed potatoes 2-3 weeks before your last frost when soil reaches 45°F. Your varied soils all grow potatoes, though clay soils produce rougher-skinned tubers than sandy loams. Hill soil around stems as they grow. Watch for late blight during humid summers — Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic are historically late blight territory.

Soil Considerations for Maryland

Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Maryland Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state.

Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for potatoes — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully across Maryland, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western Maryland gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 15 last frost, while those in Eastern Shore can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Maryland Planting Calendar All plants for Maryland Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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