When to Plant Garlic Chives in Prince George's County, MD
May in Prince George's County, Maryland — your action list
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: garlic chives
Garlic chives are a perennial herb with flat leaves that have a mild garlic flavor. They produce attractive white flower clusters and are used in Asian cooking.
Prince George's County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 322 feet, Prince George's County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Garlic Chives during the growing season.
Prince George's County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
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.
Soil Compatibility in Prince George's County
How your county's soil matches Garlic Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.9) overlaps with Garlic Chives's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Prince George's County is excellent for Garlic Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Garlic Chives prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic Chives.
How to Plant Garlic Chives
Succession Planting Garlic Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Garlic Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Prince George's County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Chives Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Prince George's County, MD
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Prince George's County
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Prince George's County
Direct sow Garlic Chives outdoors after April 01 in Prince George's County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Garlic Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions. Cut flower stalks before seeds set to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Both leaves and flower buds are edible and flavorful.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Prince George's County, MD?
Prince George's County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Prince George's County, MD?
Prince George's County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 10.
Your Prince George's County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Prince George's County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.