When to plant in Kettering, MD
USDA Zone 7bKettering, Maryland frost dates, USDA zone, and a full-year planting calendar, drawn from the nearest NOAA station and tuned to the local season.
In zone 7b, Kettering supports a wide range of perennials year-round; the frost dates above are what set your annual vegetable timing.
Frost probability
UPPER MARLBORO 3 NNW · 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 Kettering’s own odds, recorded at UPPER MARLBORO 3 NNW.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | Apr 24 | Apr 8 | Oct 5 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Apr 24 | Apr 9 | Mar 27 | Oct 14 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 12 | Mar 30 | Mar 14 | Oct 27 | Nov 10 | Nov 25 |
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 Kettering, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 16 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.
Kettering planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Kettering, MD?
On average, the last spring frost in Kettering is around April 9 (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 Kettering, MD?
The first fall frost in Kettering typically arrives around October 29 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Kettering in?
Kettering is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. In zone 7b, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Kettering?
Kettering has about 203 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 9) and first fall frost (October 29).
When should I plant tomatoes in Kettering?
For Kettering, sow tomatoes indoors about February 12–February 26 and move the seedlings out around April 16, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Kettering
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Kettering’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Largo · 4 km
- Lake Arbor · 4 km
- Mitchellville · 5 km
- Brock Hall · 6 km
- Westphalia · 6 km
- Summerfield · 7 km
- Forestville · 8 km
- Walker Mill · 8 km
Frost dates recorded at UPPER MARLBORO 3 NNW, 5 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 Kettering, MD — Frost Dates & Zone 7b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00189070. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/maryland/kettering.