What to plant in December in Maryland
In Maryland (MD), December sits about 17 weeks before the average last frost (April 14). The state averages 189 frost-free days a year (last frost April 14, first frost October 20; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).
Almost nothing is due to be sown in December - it's a month for planning, ordering seed and looking after what's already growing.
Dates here come from Maryland frost dates (last frost Apr 14, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Maryland.
Maryland covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Maryland: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in Maryland
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Maryland: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Maryland
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
A planning month: December garden jobs in Maryland
- Order seed while stock is good. Maryland's average last frost is April 14, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 20 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - December is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Maryland
Maryland spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Maryland in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Maryland in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Maryland in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Maryland have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 17.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Maryland in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Maryland have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 10.
When is the first frost in Maryland?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 14. Maryland covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Maryland’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.