When to plant winter squash in Maryland
Maryland spans USDA zones 7a–8a, so the right time to plant winter squash shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 29 in California to May 1 in Westminster — below are local dates for 139 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 8a | March 24 | November 21 | March 31 – April 14 |
| Columbia | 7b | April 5 | November 9 | April 12 – April 26 |
| Germantown | 7b | April 14 | October 29 | April 21 – May 5 |
| Frederick | 7b | April 2 | November 6 | April 9 – April 23 |
| Waldorf | 7b | April 17 | October 27 | April 24 – May 8 |
| Silver Spring | 7b | April 10 | November 1 | April 17 – May 1 |
| Ellicott City | 7b | April 2 | November 7 | April 9 – April 23 |
| Glen Burnie | 7b | April 10 | October 31 | April 17 – May 1 |
Winter Squash in Maryland: FAQ
When can I plant winter squash in Maryland?
Across Maryland, the time to direct-sow winter squash spans roughly March 29 in California to May 1 in Westminster, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the winter squash planting date vary across Maryland?
Yes. Maryland publishes 139 cities with their own frost dates, so the right winter squash planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does winter squash take to grow in Maryland?
Winter Squash takes about 85–110 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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