Luke, MD frost dates
How Luke compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Luke falls between April 14 and May 19, a 35-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 1 and October 28.
- The median last frost is 25 days later than the Maryland median of Apr 5.
- Its 168-day growing season is among the shortest of the 431 Maryland places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 14 days later than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 127 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Harrisonburg, VA, 115 km away, the last frost here is 9 days later than there and the growing season is 17 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 14 |
| 50% (median) | April 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 1 |
| 50% (median) | October 15 |
| 90% (late) | October 28 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Luke, MD
Luke, MD frost dates — last frost Apr 30, first frost Oct 15, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Luke, MD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 2 – May 7 | Aug 20 – Sep 17 |
| Kale | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Broccoli | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Cabbage | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Okra | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Basil | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 26 – May 7 | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 16 – May 14 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 7 – May 28 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 14 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 1 – Nov 5 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Keyser 2 Ssw, WV weather station, 8 km away (elevation 965 ft (294 m)).
Frost dates near Luke
- Bloomington Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Westernport Apr 30 · Oct 15
- Barton Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Lonaconing Apr 29 · Oct 18
- Rawlings Apr 30 · Oct 15
- Kitzmiller Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Swanton Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Midland Apr 29 · Oct 18
- Bittinger Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Midlothian Apr 29 · Oct 18
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Luke, MD?
The median last spring frost in Luke, MD is April 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Luke, MD?
The median first fall frost is October 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Luke, MD?
About 168 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Luke, MD?
Luke, MD is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.