Baltimore, MD Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Baltimore

In October:

• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Oct 8)

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (Mar 24, 50% risk), balanced = Mar 29 (30%), safe = Apr 4 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

Before sowing, check the soil too. CSU recommends taking its temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans). Since NOAA publishes no soil-temperature normals, we give CSU's minimum soil temperature for each crop rather than a date.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Baltimore

What to plant in Baltimore in January

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Jan 11–25)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Jan 11–25)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Jan 25 – Feb 8)

What to plant in Baltimore in February

• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Feb 8 – Mar 1)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Feb 15 – Mar 1)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Jan 25 – Feb 8)

What to plant in Baltimore in March

• Start tomato seeds indoors (Mar 10–24)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Feb 8 – Mar 1)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Feb 15 – Mar 1)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Feb 24 – Mar 21)

What to plant in Baltimore in April

• Peppers: transplant outdoors (Apr 7–18)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (Apr 7–18)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7–18)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7–18)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7–18)
• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (Apr 28)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 10 – Apr 4)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Mar 24 – Apr 4)

What to plant in Baltimore in June

• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 26 – Jul 10)

What to plant in Baltimore in July

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jul 16–30)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 26 – Jul 10)

What to plant in Baltimore in August

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Aug 14)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Aug 25)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Aug 29)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Aug 30)

What to plant in Baltimore in September

• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Sep 3)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Sep 3)
• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Sep 4)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Sep 8)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Sep 8)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Sep 8)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Sep 8)
• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Sep 18)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Sep 18)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Sep 28)

What to plant in Baltimore in October

• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Oct 8)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Baltimore

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to transplant tomatoes at least 2 weeks after the average last frost, with nights above 52°F. The frost rule alone would put Baltimore at about Apr 7, but the average nightly low at Maryland Science Center Baltimore isn't above 52°F until Apr 28, so the transplant date is about Apr 28 for the typical, balanced and safer choices alike. Start seeds indoors Mar 10–24, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on Apr 28. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Maryland Science Center Baltimore climbs to 55°F on May 7. Using CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest, tomato plants set out on Apr 28 would start producing around Jul 2. That's 142 days before the typical first frost (Nov 21).

When to plant peppers in Baltimore

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts peppers outside around Apr 7 (typical date), Apr 12 (balanced) or Apr 18 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Feb 15 – Mar 1, 6–8 weeks ahead of transplanting on Apr 12. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Maryland Science Center Baltimore climbs to 55°F on May 7. Using CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest, pepper plants set out on Apr 12 would start producing around Jun 21. That's 153 days before the typical first frost (Nov 21).

When to plant potatoes in Baltimore

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, potatoes can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 10–24 in Baltimore (typical date) or Mar 21 – Apr 4 (safer date). The soil should be at least 45°F.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Baltimore

Hardy crop. CSU says onions (dry, from sets) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Baltimore, that's roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 going by the typical date, or Mar 7–21 going by the safer date.

When to plant peas in Baltimore

Hardy crop. CSU says peas can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Baltimore, that's roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 going by the typical date, or Mar 7–21 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 79 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Sep 3, or by Aug 20 to be safe.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Baltimore

Hardy crop. CSU says lettuce (leaf) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 in Baltimore using the typical date, or Mar 7–21 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 8, or by Aug 25 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant carrots in Baltimore

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting carrots as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Baltimore, that's roughly Mar 10–24 by the typical date or Mar 21 – Apr 4 by the safer date. For fall, count back 84 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 29, or by Aug 15 to be safe.

When to plant beans (snap) in Baltimore

Tender crop. Sow beans (snap) around the average last frost, per CSU: about Mar 24 in Baltimore. Waiting until Apr 4 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 55°F. For fall, count back 88 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 25, or by Aug 11 to be safe.

When to plant summer squash in Baltimore

Tender crop. CSU's timing for summer squash is around the average last frost, which is about Mar 24 in Baltimore. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 4. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 4, or by Aug 21 to be safe. That's 78 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant broccoli in Baltimore

Hardy crop. Per CSU, broccoli can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Baltimore, that works out to roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 (typical date) or Mar 7–21 (safer date). CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for broccoli plants is 65 days. Set out on Mar 1, they would start producing around May 5, 200 days before the typical first frost (Nov 21). Fall broccoli: set transplants out by Sep 3. The date counts back from the typical first frost (Nov 21) by UNL Extension's method, using CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest. Home-grown transplants need seeds started Jul 16–30 (CSU: 5–7 weeks).

When to plant cabbage in Baltimore

Hardy crop. CSU says cabbage can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Baltimore, that's roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 going by the typical date, or Mar 7–21 going by the safer date. Using CSU's typical 85 days from transplant to harvest, cabbage plants set out on Mar 1 would start producing around May 25. That's 180 days before the typical first frost (Nov 21). Fall cabbage: set transplants out by Aug 14. The date counts back from the typical first frost (Nov 21) by UNL Extension's method, using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. Home-grown transplants need seeds started Jun 26 – Jul 10 (CSU: 5–7 weeks).

When to plant cauliflower in Baltimore

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting cauliflower as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Baltimore, that's roughly Mar 10–24 by the typical date or Mar 21 – Apr 4 by the safer date.

When to plant kohlrabi in Baltimore

Hardy crop. Per CSU, kohlrabi can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Baltimore, that works out to roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 (typical date) or Mar 7–21 (safer date). For fall, sow by Sep 18 (Sep 4 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Baltimore

Hardy crop. CSU says green onions can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 in Baltimore using the typical date, or Mar 7–21 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 8, or by Aug 25 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant radishes in Baltimore

Hardy crop. CSU says radishes can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Baltimore, that's roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 going by the typical date, or Mar 7–21 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Oct 8 (Sep 24 to be safe), which is 44 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant spinach in Baltimore

Hardy crop. Per CSU, spinach can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Baltimore, that works out to roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 (typical date) or Mar 7–21 (safer date). For fall, count back 54 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Sep 28, or by Sep 14 to be safe.

When to plant turnips in Baltimore

Hardy crop. Per CSU, turnips can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Baltimore, that works out to roughly Feb 24 – Mar 10 (typical date) or Mar 7–21 (safer date). For fall, sow by Sep 18 (Sep 4 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Baltimore

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says beets can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Baltimore, that's roughly Mar 10–24 going by the typical date, or Mar 21 – Apr 4 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Sep 8, or by Aug 25 to be safe.

When to plant swiss chard in Baltimore

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting swiss chard as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Baltimore, that's roughly Mar 10–24 by the typical date or Mar 21 – Apr 4 by the safer date. For fall, sow by Sep 8 (Aug 25 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant parsnips in Baltimore

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, parsnips can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 10–24 in Baltimore (typical date) or Mar 21 – Apr 4 (safer date). The soil should be at least 35°F.

When to plant sweet corn in Baltimore

Tender crop. CSU's timing for sweet corn is around the average last frost, which is about Mar 24 in Baltimore. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 4. Seeds want soil at 50°F or warmer.

When to plant cucumbers in Baltimore

Tender crop. CSU's timing for cucumbers is around the average last frost, which is about Mar 24 in Baltimore. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 4. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For fall, count back 83 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 30, or by Aug 16 to be safe.

When to plant eggplant in Baltimore

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set eggplant out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about Apr 7 using the typical date, Apr 12 as a balanced choice, or Apr 18 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Feb 8 – Mar 1, 6–9 weeks before transplanting on Apr 12. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for eggplant plants is 60 days. Set out on Apr 12, they would start producing around Jun 11, 163 days before the typical first frost (Nov 21).

When to plant cantaloupe in Baltimore

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant cantaloupe 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about Apr 7 (typical date), Apr 12 (balanced) or Apr 18 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Baltimore

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant watermelon 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about Apr 7 (typical date), Apr 12 (balanced) or Apr 18 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Baltimore

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant winter squash 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about Apr 7 (typical date), Apr 12 (balanced) or Apr 18 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Baltimore?

Tomatoes: Mar 10–24. Peppers: Feb 15 – Mar 1. Both windows count back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Baltimore?

About Apr 28, at every risk level. CSU wants tomatoes out 2+ weeks after the average last frost (that rule alone gives about Apr 7 here) and nights above 52°F. At Maryland Science Center Baltimore, the average nightly low first rises above 52°F on Apr 28, later than the frost-rule date, so the night rule sets the date.

What can I plant in Baltimore in the fall?

These sowing deadlines count back from the typical first frost (Nov 21) using UNL Extension's method: peas by Sep 3; lettuce (leaf) by Sep 8; carrots by Aug 29; beans (snap) by Aug 25; summer squash by Sep 4; broccoli by Sep 3 (transplants); cabbage by Aug 14 (transplants); kohlrabi by Sep 18; green onions by Sep 8; radishes by Oct 8; spinach by Sep 28; turnips by Sep 18; beets by Sep 8; swiss chard by Sep 8; cucumbers by Aug 30.

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