When to Plant Vegetables in Maryland
Moderate Climate (Zones 6-7)Zones 6a, 6b
Maryland offers a versatile growing season that accommodates both cool-season and warm-season vegetables. Moderate winters allow fall-planted garlic and overwintered spinach to thrive, while warm summers support a full range of tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans. The key is timing your plantings to take advantage of both the spring and fall growing windows for maximum harvests throughout the year.
What to Plant This Month in Maryland (May)
Direct Sow
- bean
- corn
- cucumber
- zucchini
- beet
- carrot
Transplant Outdoors
- tomato
- pepper
- eggplant
- basil
- sweetPotato
Harvest
- lettuce
- spinach
- radish
- pea
- broccoli
May Garden Tasks
- • Transplant all warm-season crops after danger of frost has passed
- • Plant sweet potato slips after soil warms above 65°F
- • Mulch all beds with 2-3 inches of straw or shredded leaves
- • Begin regular watering schedule — 1 inch per week minimum
- • Install tomato cages and pepper stakes at planting time
- • Harvest spring broccoli heads before they bolt
Top Vegetables for Maryland
Tomato
fruitmoderate60-85 days
Yield: 10-15 lbs per plant
Pepper
fruiteasy70-90 days
Yield: 5-10 peppers per plant
Cucumber
vineeasy50-70 days
Yield: 10-20 cucumbers per plant
Lettuce
leafyeasy45-80 days
Yield: 1/2-1 lb per plant
Carrot
rootmoderate70-80 days
Yield: 1 lb per foot of row
Garlic
alliumeasy240-270 days (fall planted)
Yield: 1 bulb per clove planted
Maryland Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I start planting vegetables in Maryland?
- Maryland gardeners can begin planting cool-season crops outdoors in late March or early April. Start warm-season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers indoors in mid-March for transplanting after the last frost, usually mid to late April. Fall planting for cool-season crops begins in August.
- What are the best vegetables to grow in Maryland?
- Based on Maryland’s Moderate Climate (Zones 6-7) conditions, the best vegetables include Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, Lettuce. These varieties are well-suited to the growing season length and temperature patterns found across Maryland’s USDA zones (6a, 6b). Choose short-season varieties if you are in a colder part of the state and long-season varieties in warmer areas.
- What USDA hardiness zones are in Maryland?
- Maryland spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b. Your zone determines your average last spring frost date and first fall frost date, which together define your growing season length. Use our city guides below for zone-specific planting calendars tailored to your exact location.
- What vegetables can I plant in Maryland right now?
- In May, Maryland gardeners can direct-sow bean, corn, cucumber, zucchini, beet, carrot. Transplant tomato, pepper, eggplant, basil, sweetPotato outdoors. Check your specific city guide for exact timing based on your local frost dates.
- What are common vegetable gardening mistakes in Maryland?
- Waiting too long to start cool-season crops in spring: In zones 6-7, peas, spinach, and lettuce can go outside in early to mid-March. These crops tolerate light frost and actually grow better in cool weather. Not starting a fall vegetable garden in late summer: Begin starting fall brassica transplants indoors in July, and direct sow fall lettuce, spinach, and radish in August for harvest through October and November. Overwatering clay soils common in moderate zones: Add organic matter annually to improve drainage, and water deeply but less frequently. Use raised beds if soil is consistently waterlogged.