Frost Dates for Frederick, MD
In Frederick, MD, the average last spring frost is around Apr 2 and the average first fall frost around Nov 6, for a growing season of about 218 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 15, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Frederick Police Brks, MD weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 380 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 15 | Oct 23 |
| 20% | Apr 11 | Oct 29 |
| 30% | Apr 7 | Nov 1 |
| 40% | Apr 4 | Nov 4 |
| 50% | Apr 2 | Nov 6 |
| 60% | Mar 31 | Nov 10 |
| 70% | Mar 28 | Nov 13 |
| 80% | Mar 23 | Nov 17 |
| 90% | Mar 17 | Nov 24 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 15 | Oct 24 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 2 | Nov 6 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 21 | Nov 21 |
Planting calendar for Frederick
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Sow or transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Sow or transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Sow or transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Sow or transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 9
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 2
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Sow or transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 25
Transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 26
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Fall sowing Sep 25 – Oct 16
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Plant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Based on the average last frost (Apr 2) and first frost (Nov 6). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.