Crofton, MD planting zone & frost dates
Crofton is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 22 and the first fall frost around October 22, for a growing season of about 183 days.
Planting calendar for Crofton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 22) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 27 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 22).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 3 | Apr 22 | May 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 6 | Oct 22 | Oct 7 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 7. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Crofton
- 21114 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Bowie zone 7b, last frost Apr 22
- Odenton zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- Glenn Dale zone 7b, last frost Apr 22
- Severn zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- South Gate zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- Parole zone 7b, last frost Mar 27
- Mitchellville zone 7b, last frost Apr 22
- Severna Park zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
Questions
What growing zone is Crofton, MD?
Crofton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Crofton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Crofton is April 22. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Crofton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 29 – May 6. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Glenn Dale Bell Stn, MD (USC00183675), 10.7 km (6.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 46 m, based on 11 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.