Maryland Planting Calendar
Frost dates, growing zones, and planting dates for Maryland gardeners.
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
The Short Answer
Maryland spans USDA zones 5b through 8a, which means planting dates vary significantly across the state. Western Maryland has an average last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore sees its last frost around Apr 1 - Apr 15. Use our homepage tool with your zip code for dates specific to your exact location.
Maryland Frost Dates by Region
Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state.
| 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 |
Soil & Growing Conditions
Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys.
What to Plant in Maryland
Maryland's four-season climate supports nearly everything in the garden. Your balanced growing conditions are the envy of both hotter and colder states. Here are the best performers:
Warm-Season Stars
Cool-Season & Year-Round
Flowers, Herbs & More
Browse all 100 plants — or enter your zip code for personalized planting dates.
Neighboring States
Gardeners near state borders may find useful information in neighboring state guides:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026