When to plant in La Plata, MD
USDA Zone 7bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for La Plata, Maryland — all computed from La Plata's nearest NOAA weather station.
La Plata's nearest full-normals station sits about 22 km out, so treat these as a close estimate — local microclimate can nudge your first and last frost. Zone 7b means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in La Plata, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
MECHANICSVILLE 5 NE · 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 La Plata’s own odds, recorded at MECHANICSVILLE 5 NE.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 | Oct 3 | Oct 16 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | May 2 | Apr 17 | Mar 31 | Oct 12 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Apr 17 | Apr 2 | Mar 19 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 23 |
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 La Plata, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 29 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.
La Plata planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in La Plata, MD?
Plan for the last spring frost in La Plata around April 17 (the date it has a 50% chance of a 32°F freeze). Anything frost-sensitive should go out after it.
When is the first fall frost in La Plata, MD?
The first fall frost in La Plata typically arrives around October 27 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is La Plata in?
La Plata 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 La Plata?
There are roughly 193 frost-free days in La Plata (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 17 to the first fall frost near October 27.
When should I plant tomatoes in La Plata?
In La Plata, start tomato seeds indoors around February 20–March 6, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 24 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in La Plata
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to La Plata’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Bensville · 8 km
- Waldorf · 9 km
- Accokeek · 15 km
- Brandywine · 17 km
- Fort Washington · 21 km
- Mount Vernon · 22 km
- Fort Hunt · 23 km
- Clinton · 24 km
Frost dates recorded at MECHANICSVILLE 5 NE, 22 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 La Plata, MD — Frost Dates & Zone 7b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00185865. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/maryland/la-plata.