Maryland's planting (USDA hardiness) zones range from 5b to 8a. This means the lowest average winter temperatures in Maryland vary from about -15°F to 15°F depending on the specific location within the state
- Zone 5b: -15 to -10°F (found in the westernmost parts, such as Garrett County)
- Zones 6a and 6b: -10 to 0°F (cover much of central Maryland)
- Zones 7a and 7b: 0 to 10°F (common in many populated areas)
- Zone 8a: 10 to 15°F (along Chesapeake Bay shores and some coastal areas)
Most of Maryland falls within zones 6 and 7, with the warmer 8a zone appearing near the bay due to milder temperatures influenced by water and humidity
. Knowing your specific zone helps in selecting plants that will survive Maryland winters and thrive in local conditions. For example, plants rated for your zone or lower can be expected to survive the winter, while plants suited for higher zones may not tolerate the cold
. In summary, Maryland spans USDA hardiness zones 5b through 8a, with the majority of the state in zones 6 and 7, reflecting a range of winter minimum temperatures from -15°F up to 15°F depending on location.
