When to Plant in Baltimore, MD

Baltimore's Chesapeake Bay location gives it a moderate climate — Zone 7a with a typical last frost around April 11. The bay and urban heat island combine to give Baltimore a slightly longer growing season than much of Maryland.

Baltimore gardeners enjoy excellent spring and fall growing seasons plus a productive summer. The city's urban farming movement has grown significantly, with community gardens throughout the neighborhoods.

What to plant now in Baltimore

Spring: Cool-season crops in March; warm-season after April 11 last frost.
Summer: Full warm-season garden. Heat and humidity can be intense.
Fall: Outstanding — broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, and spinach.
Winter: Garlic overwintering. Cool-season crops with protection.

In Baltimore (201 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Baltimore

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Start onion seeds indoors.
February	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors.
March	Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce. Transplant cold-hardy seedlings.
April	After April 2 — transplant tomatoes and peppers. Plant beans and squash.
May	Full spring garden. Plant cucumbers and corn.
June	Summer maintenance. Water deeply.
July	Start fall seedlings. Harvest summer crops.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Direct sow carrots.
September	Fall planting: lettuce, spinach, radishes.
October	Plant garlic. Continue fall planting.
November	Harvest fall crops.
December	Cool-season greens continue.

Frost dates for Baltimore ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
21215	April 11	October 29	7b
21206	April 11	October 29	7b

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Baltimore, MD?

Baltimore's average last frost date is around April 11 — earlier than most of Maryland due to the Chesapeake Bay's moderating influence and the urban heat island.

What grows best in Baltimore?

Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans thrive in spring and summer. Fall is excellent for broccoli, kale, lettuce, and carrots.

When should I plant tomatoes in Baltimore?

Start seeds indoors in mid-February. Transplant outdoors after April 11. Baltimore's earlier last frost gives you a head start over central Maryland.

How does Plan My Garden help Baltimore gardeners?

Enter your Baltimore zip code for exact planting dates tuned to the Chesapeake Bay area's growing calendar.