Last frost date in Essex, MD
The average last frost in Essex is March 24. By April 4 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 21, which leaves 244 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 7 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 4
- Average first frost
- Nov 21
- Frost-free season
- 244 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 11
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2245°
- FriOct 2339°
- SatOct 2440°
- SunOct 2542°
- MonOct 2649°
- TueOct 2747°
- WedOct 2849°
Planting calendar for Essex
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Maryland.
TomatoesMar 31–Apr 14
PumpkinsApr 7–Apr 21
SunflowersMar 24–Apr 14
CucumbersApr 7–Apr 14
CornMar 31–Apr 14
Sweet potatoesApr 14–Apr 28
WatermelonApr 7–Apr 21
Green beansMar 31–Apr 21
ZucchiniMar 31–Apr 14
OkraApr 14–Apr 28
PeppersApr 7–Apr 21
BasilMar 31–Apr 14
Butternut squashMar 31–Apr 14
CantaloupeApr 7–Apr 21
EggplantApr 7–Apr 21
PotatoesFeb 24–Mar 10
OnionsFeb 10–Mar 3
CarrotsMar 3–Apr 7
LettuceMar 10–Mar 31
BroccoliFeb 24–Mar 10
BeetsFeb 24–Apr 7
PeasFeb 10–Feb 24
CabbageFeb 24–Mar 10
RadishesFeb 17–Mar 31
Brussels sproutsMar 10–Mar 24
SpinachFeb 10–Mar 3
CilantroMar 10–Mar 31
KaleFeb 24–Mar 10
Collard greensFeb 24–Mar 10
TurnipsFeb 24–Mar 10
DillMar 24–Apr 7
CeleryMar 31–Apr 7
CauliflowerMar 10–Mar 24
LeeksMar 10–Mar 24
Swiss chardMar 10–Apr 7
ParsleyMar 10–Mar 31
Tulip bulbsNov 7–Dec 12
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesFeb 24–Mar 10
AsparagusFeb 24–Mar 10Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 8 | Mar 24 | Apr 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 21 | Dec 8 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 24 | Mar 11 | Mar 26 | Nov 18 | Dec 5 | Dec 25 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Md Sci Center Baltimore (USW00093784) sits 8.9 miles from the center of Essex at 20 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Essex, MD?
The average last frost date in Essex is March 24, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 4.
When is the first frost in Essex?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 21. One year in ten it arrives before November 7.
How long is the growing season in Essex?
About 244 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Essex?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 31 to April 14. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Maryland
- Middle RiverMar 24
- DundalkMar 24
- RosedaleMar 24
- Perry HallApr 2
- ParkvilleApr 2
- CarneyApr 2
- BaltimoreMar 24
- TowsonApr 2
- EdgewoodApr 10
- PasadenaApr 10
- Glen BurnieApr 10
- ArbutusMar 24