When to Plant Bok Choy in St. Mary's County, MD
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage variety with crisp white stalks and dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cool-season crop ideal for stir-fries and soups.
St. Mary's County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 156 feet, St. Mary's County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
St. Mary's County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — St. Mary's County, MD
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
213 days
Growing Tips for St. Mary's County
Direct sow in spring or fall for best results. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in St. Mary's County, MD?
St. Mary's County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Mary's County, MD?
St. Mary's County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help St. Mary's County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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