When to Plant Vegetables in Maryland: Growing Calendar for Coastal and Inland Regions

You’re not alone if you’re wondering, “When should you plant vegetables in Maryland?”. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, it’s important to know the best times for planting to make the most out of your vegetable garden. In Maryland, the planting schedule can vary between the coastal and inland regions.

When should I start planting in Maryland? When can you plant vegetables outside in Maryland? What month do you plant tomatoes in Maryland? These are questions that will be addressed in this article. We will also look into when to plant cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, and more and the best vegetables to grow in Maryland.

When to Plant Vegetables in Maryland

Understanding Maryland’s Climate Zones

Maryland is a state that experiences four distinct seasons. Knowing the climate zones can help you plan your garden better. The coastal region, including cities like Baltimore and Annapolis, generally has a milder climate than the inland areas. Inland Maryland, including cities like Frederick and Hagerstown, has colder winters and sometimes hotter summers. The USDA hardiness zones in Maryland range from Zone 5b in the western areas to Zone 7b in the coastal regions. This affects when you should plant various vegetables.

Factors Affecting Vegetable Planting Dates in Maryland

There are several things to consider when planning your vegetable garden in Maryland. Frost dates are crucial as they influence when you can plant vegetables outside. Soil temperature also plays a role. Coastal regions generally have a longer growing season so that you can plant certain vegetables earlier. Inland areas may require you to wait longer due to colder temperatures. Apart from climate, local conditions like soil quality and light exposure can also affect planting times.

Planting Vegetables in Coastal Maryland

In coastal Maryland, the growing season starts a bit earlier than in the inland regions. You can start planting cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and peas in late February or early March. Tomatoes, a warm-season vegetable, can be planted in late April or early May. Coastal areas are also suitable for growing vegetables like cucumbers and peppers, which prefer milder conditions. However, always watch the weather forecast, as unexpected frost can still occur.

Optimal Vegetable Planting Times for Inland Maryland

Inland Maryland has a shorter growing season due to colder winters and sometimes hotter summers. Cool-season vegetables like lettuce can be planted in late March or early April. If you’re wondering when to plant cucumbers in Maryland’s inland areas, the best time is late May to early June. Tomatoes should be planted in late May. Peppers can also be planted around the same time but ensure that all danger of frost has passed. Always consult the local frost dates and adjust your planting schedule accordingly.

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Vegetable Planting Schedule for Maryland

To summarize, here’s a general guideline for both coastal and inland regions. In coastal Maryland, they plant cool-season vegetables in late February to early March and warm-season vegetables in late April to early May. Inland areas should aim for cool-season vegetables from late March to early April and late May for warm-season ones like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Always adjust based on the local frost dates and other climate factors.

Recommended Vegetables for Early Spring Planting in Maryland

Early spring is an ideal time to plant vegetables that can tolerate cooler temperatures. In Maryland, this includes vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and peas. These are some of the best vegetables to grow in Maryland during this season. They tolerate cold and grow quickly, providing you with a fast harvest. If you’re planning a garden in Maryland, including these vegetables is smart.

Late Spring and Early Summer Vegetable Planting Guide for Maryland

You can start planting warm-season vegetables in late spring and early summer. If you’ve been wondering when to plant lettuce in Maryland, you should know it can also be planted during late spring for a second harvest. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers should be planted during this period, especially in inland areas. They require a longer growing season and warmer temperatures for a healthy yield. Knowing when to plant peppers in Maryland or any other warm-season vegetable can make the difference between a successful and disappointing harvest.

Fall Vegetable Planting Tips for Coastal Maryland

Fall is another great opportunity to grow vegetables in coastal Maryland. With milder temperatures extending well into November, you can plant cool-season crops like kale, collards, and root vegetables such as carrots and beets. Start planting these around late August to early September for a successful harvest before the first frost. You can even grow some leafy greens like spinach and arugula into October. Fall planting in coastal Maryland offers the advantage of fewer pests and diseases, as well as more comfortable working conditions compared to the hot summer months.

Ideal Fall Planting Dates for Inland Maryland

When it comes to fall planting in inland Maryland, the window is slightly shorter due to colder temperatures arriving sooner. The ideal time for planting cool-season crops like radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower would be from late July to early August. This ensures these vegetables have enough time to mature before the cold sets in. You can also consider fast-growing leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, which can be harvested before winter.

When to Plant and What Vegetables to Grow in Maryland in Winter

While winter gardening in Maryland can be challenging due to the cold temperatures, there are still some options. You can plant hardy vegetables like kale and collard greens as late as October, which can survive through the winter with some protection. Another option is to use cold frames or hoop houses to extend your growing season. With these, you can plant root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, which will grow slowly throughout winter. For indoor planting, herbs like basil and mint are good choices, and they can be grown easily in pots on a sunny windowsill.

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planting vegetables in greenhouse at community garden

Vegetable Planting Schedule/Calendar Table for Maryland

Vegetable	Coastal Maryland	Inland Maryland
Spring Vegetables
Lettuce	Late February to Early March	Late March to Early April
Spinach	Late February to Early March	Late March to Early April
Peas	Late February to Early March	Late March to Early April
Tomatoes	Late April to Early May	Late May
Cucumbers	Late April to Early May	Late May to Early June
Peppers	Late April to Early May	Late May to Early June
Summer Vegetables
Corn	Mid-May	Late May to Early June
Zucchini	Mid-May	Late May to Early June
Green Beans	Mid-May	Late May to Early June
Fall Vegetables
Kale	Late August to Early September	Late July to Early August
Collards	Late August to Early September	Late July to Early August
Carrots	Late August to Early September	Late July to Early August
Beets	Late August to Early September	Late July to Early August
Winter Vegetables
Hardy Kale	Late October, with protection	Late October, with protection
Collard Greens	Late October, with protection	Late October, with protection
Carrots (in cold frames)	Late October to Early November	Late October, with protection
Potatoes (in cold frames)	Late October to Early November	Late October, with protection

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Conclusion

Whether gardening in coastal or inland Maryland, each season offers unique planting opportunities.

When to Plant Vegetables in Maryland: Growing Calendar for Coastal and Inland Regions