When to Plant Pumpkin in Queen Anne's County, MD
What to do in May
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.
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Queen Anne's County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 479 feet, Queen Anne's County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.
Queen Anne's County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Queen Anne's County
How your county's soil matches Pumpkin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Pumpkin's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Queen Anne's County is excellent for Pumpkin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Pumpkin.
How to Plant Pumpkin
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Pumpkin
Pumpkin needs approximately 1.3 inches of water per week (5.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pumpkin Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.6" | 4" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.6" | 3.9" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 4.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 5.4" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.2" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 4.7" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 3.9" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.6" | 3.9" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Queen Anne's County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pumpkin 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.
Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Queen Anne's County, MD
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
85–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Queen Anne's County
Growing Tips for Pumpkin in Queen Anne's County
Direct sow Pumpkin outdoors after March 31 in Queen Anne's County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Pumpkin in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow on mounds after last frost. Allow 6-10 feet between plants. Slip a board under developing fruit to prevent rot. Harvest when rind is hard and deep in color.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pumpkin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pumpkin in Queen Anne's County, MD?
Queen Anne's County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Queen Anne's County, MD?
Queen Anne's County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Queen Anne's County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Queen Anne'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.