When to plant in Bowie, MD
USDA Zone 7aBowie, Maryland frost dates, USDA zone, and a full-year planting calendar, drawn from the nearest NOAA station and tuned to the local season.
Zone 7a means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Bowie, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
GLENN DALE BELL STN · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Bowie’s own odds, recorded at GLENN DALE BELL STN.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 3 | Apr 18 | Sep 30 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | May 9 | Apr 22 | Apr 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 22 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Apr 30 | Apr 7 | Mar 23 | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Bowie, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 19 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Bowie planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Bowie, MD?
On average, the last spring frost in Bowie is around April 22 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Bowie, MD?
The first fall frost in Bowie typically arrives around October 22 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Bowie in?
Bowie is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. In zone 7a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Bowie?
There are roughly 183 frost-free days in Bowie (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 22 to the first fall frost near October 22.
When should I plant tomatoes in Bowie?
In Bowie, start tomato seeds indoors around February 25–March 11, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 29 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Bowie
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Bowie’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Glenn Dale · 6 km
- Mitchellville · 6 km
- Crofton · 8 km
- Kettering · 8 km
- Lanham · 9 km
- Lake Arbor · 9 km
- Seabrook · 10 km
- Brock Hall · 11 km
Frost dates recorded at GLENN DALE BELL STN, 6 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Bowie, MD — Frost Dates & Zone 7a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00183675. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/maryland/bowie.