Frost dates for 21240 — Baltimore, MD
How Baltimore compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Baltimore falls between March 27 and April 25, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 17 and November 12.
- The median last frost is 5 days later than the Maryland median of Apr 5.
- Its 204-day growing season is longer than 36% of the 431 Maryland places with a regular frost season (state median 216 days).
- The last frost is 5 days later than the zone 7b median of Apr 5. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 93 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Washington, DC, 43 km away, the last frost here is 12 days later than there and the growing season is 20 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 27 |
| 50% (median) | April 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 17 |
| 50% (median) | October 31 |
| 90% (late) | November 12 |
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 Baltimore, MD
Frost dates for 21240 — Baltimore, MD — last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 31, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Baltimore, MD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Mar 13 – Apr 17 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Okra | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Basil | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 6 – Apr 17 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 17 – Nov 21 |
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 Baltimore Wash Intl Ap, MD weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 157 ft (48 m)).
ZIP codes in Baltimore: 21201 21202 21203 21205 21206 21209 21210 21211 21212 21213 21214 21215 21216 21217 21218 21223 21224 21229 21230 21231 21233 21235 21239 21240 21241 21250 21251 21263 21264 21270 21273 21275 21278 21279 21280 21281 21287 21288 21289 21290 21297 21298
Frost dates near Baltimore
- Harmans Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Linthicum Heights Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Hanover Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Severn Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Halethorpe Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Brooklyn Mar 24 · Nov 21
- Elkridge Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Millersville Apr 10 · Oct 31
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Baltimore, MD?
The median last spring frost in Baltimore, MD is April 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Baltimore, MD?
The median first fall frost is October 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 17.
How long is the growing season in Baltimore, MD?
About 204 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore, MD is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.