CALIFORNIA, Md. — Gardening is the perfect pastime for Marylanders who’d like to start growing their own food. A couple of flowers can spruce up a yard in magnificent ways, and there are dozens of plants that you can grow with a bit of weekly effort. Spring is upon us, and summer isn’t far off, so we’ve put together a list of the best plants to grow in Maryland in 2026.
What Types Of Plants Can You Grow In Southern Maryland?
A lot can be grown in Southern Maryland due to its roughly 200-day growing season and ideal climate. You can grow herbs, vegetables, fruits and a plethora of different flowers, so here are 10 exciting plants to add to your garden.
Herbs You Can Grow In Maryland
Mint
Many types of mint are the perfect herbs to grow in Maryland. Not only does mint taste great and work well in many recipes, but it’s also fast-growing, so you can collect your harvest in just a couple of months. Make sure to plant mint in a wide pot to allow the plant to grow properly.
Lavender
Lavender is a great herb to grow if you have a spot with a lot of sunshine. Most types of lavender can handle Maryland’s usual humidity well, making it an ideal herb to plant in the spring. Lavender is a pretty plant, and it can be used in many unique recipes, so it’s worth growing if you have sandy or gravelly soil in your yard.
Basil
Basil is an all-time favorite plant among garden enthusiasts because it can be sprinkled atop dozens of popular dishes to add a hint of extra flavor. Maryland is a prime state for growing basil due to the hot summers and humidity. Plus, you can grow basil in planters or in a garden, so there are a variety of ways to plant this delicious herb.
Vegetables You Can Grow In Maryland
Sweet Potatoes
The spring season is the perfect time to plant some sweet potatoes in your backyard. Sweet potatoes contain a lot of vitamins A and C, and they’re a delicious side for any home-cooked meal. With some water and sunlight, a sweet potato garden will offer a healthy snack or side that your whole family can enjoy.
Zucchini
Zucchini grows fast, and Maryland’s hot seasons provide ample opportunities to harvest it throughout the summer. A nutrient-dense vegetable, zucchini is low in calories despite the many vitamins packed within it. Growing zucchini requires a lot of sunlight and good drainage, but it’s fairly easy compared to other types of vegetables if you have enough space available in your garden.
Fruits You Can Grow In Maryland
Blueberries
Blueberries are a very popular fruit that can be used in smoothies, fruit salads and pastries. Grown in acidic soil, blueberries need a fair amount of water and sunlight to thrive, much like other fruits. Growing a variety of sweet fruits in other parts of your garden is a great idea too, as fruit salad is the perfect snack for summer!
Tomatoes
Mid-May is a fantastic time to start growing tomatoes in your garden if you live in Southern Maryland, just as it begins to warm up. Tomato plants require ample spacing, but they’re a fairly simple fruit to grow and a must-have for hundreds of recipes. The long growing season in Maryland is ideal for growing tomatoes since you’ll be able to harvest a ton of them by the end of the season. The fact that they’re packed full of vitamins and potassium is just the cherry tomato on top!
Strawberries
Strawberries are yet another delicious fruit that’s easy to grow in Maryland. A planter or pot offers a simple way to grow a strawberry plant if you have limited room to work with; plus, it’ll look elegant on your porch or deck. Best planted in the early spring months, strawberries are worth the work if you’re seeking to grow fresh fruit.
Flowers
Wild Columbine
Wild columbine is a plant that thrives in partial shade, making it an ideal option if you’ve already filled up the sunny spots in your yard with other plants. Hummingbirds love wild columbine, so this is the perfect flower to plant if you want to build a bird sanctuary in your backyard!
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia bluebells aren’t just found in Virginia; they’re also a common plant throughout Maryland. Fall is one of the best times to plant Virginia bluebells since they often bloom in the early spring. If you’re a fan of bright blue flowers, then a few Virginia bluebells will be the perfect complement to your garden!
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