What to plant this week in Baltimore, MD
With frost dates hovering around March 13 and average lows reaching only 10°F, Baltimore gardeners are already in full swing for late spring and summer harvests this week. While the mild zone 8a climate allows for an early start on cold-hardy crops like garlic, the heat and humidity typical of the mid-Atlantic region now demand attention to moisture management and pollinator support.
The next 7 days
Baltimore, MDGrowing in Baltimore right now
- Baltimore's urban heat island effect often pushes temperatures higher than the rural outskirts, so monitor thermometers closely when planning harvests for sensitive crops like Basil or Zinnia this week.
- The city's clay-heavy loam soils retain water well but dry out quickly during our humid summers; ensure deep watering for heavy feeders like Okra and Sweet Corn to prevent stress before the first frost on Nov 28.
- Take advantage of the long growing season by planting succession crops now, as the window from late spring through early November offers ample time for multiple rounds of Bush Beans and Cucumber harvests.
Sow this week
2 crops- Garlic
- Ornamental Allium
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
44 crops- Acorn Squash
- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Butternut Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Celosia (Cockscomb)
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Delicata Squash
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Morning Glory
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Purslane
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Spaghetti Squash
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Harvest acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash while they are still tender before the skins toughen up.
- Succession sow bush beans, cowpeas, and pole beans now to extend your bean harvest into late summer.
- Pinch back basil and borage regularly to encourage lush growth and prevent bolting as heat increases.
Pest & disease watch
- The rising humidity this week increases the risk for aphid colonies on new growth of Morning Glory and Nasturtium; inspect stems daily and spray with insecticidal soap if populations surge.
- Powdery mildew is becoming active on Cucurbits like Zucchini, Delicata Squash, and Watermelon as temperatures climb above 85°F; space plants for airflow and apply a baking soda mix preventatively.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of squash and melons every 2-3 days to keep fruits from cracking and foliage from rotting.
Don't forget to harvest garlic that is listed for both sowing now and harvesting soon, as it may be a late spring crop or early fall storage bulb depending on your specific microclimate.
Baltimore gardening questions
3Can I still plant Garlic in Baltimore this week given the later frost date?
Yes, despite the average last frost occurring around March 13, you can still sow hardening garlic now to take advantage of the soil warming up. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the ground freezes for winter storage.
Which crops listed are ready to harvest immediately in our current weather?
Focus your picking on Acorn Squash, Bush Bean, and Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea) as they mature quickly in Baltimore's warm soil. Check Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash daily, as the humid climate can cause them to grow rapidly and become oversized.
How should I protect my Sunflowers and Tall Corn from strong April winds common here?
Stake tall varieties like Sweet Corn and large Sunflower hybrids early in their growth if you live on exposed hillsides or near open waterways. Mulching heavily around the base will also help anchor them against our frequent spring thunderstorms.
Other cities in zone 8a
11See the full zone 8a guide → · Plan your Baltimore garden in SproutGuide →