When to Plant Carrot in Essex, Maryland (21221)
Location
Essex, Maryland
ZIP Code
21221
USDA Zone
8a
Last Frost
Friday, March 20, 2026
📅 Planting Calendar
Direct Sow Outdoors Friday, February 6, 2026
Pro Tip: Carrot can be directly sown outdoors. Plant 6 weeks before your last frost date.
🌿 Plant Details
Scientific Name Daucus carota
Days to Maturity 70 days
Mature Height 8-12"
Spread 3"
Type Root
Fruit Size Medium (6-8 inches)
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
💧
Water
Regular (1 inch/week)
↔️
Spacing
3" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
0.25" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days
🤝 Good Companions
OnionLeekLettuceTomatoRosemary
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
DillCelery
Other Plants for Essex
Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussel Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini
Growing Carrot in Zone 8a
Carrot (Daucus carota) is a popular garden vegetable. In Essex, Maryland, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, February 6, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Carrot grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.