Soil Temperature in Maryland
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Maryland is 79°F, based on 1 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 79°F to 79°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Maryland with soil averaging 79°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Maryland
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Maryland. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Maryland (1)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Maryland. See the Maryland soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Mill (Prince George's) | 79°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Maryland (51)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | 21401 | 79°F |
| Baltimore | 21201 | 79°F |
| Bel Air | 21014 | 77°F |
| Beltsville | 20704 | 79°F |
| Bethesda | 20810 | 79°F |
| Bowie | 20715 | 79°F |
| Capitol Heights | 20731 | 79°F |
| Chestertown | 21620 | 79°F |
| Chevy Chase | 20815 | 79°F |
| College Park | 20740 | 79°F |
| Columbia | 21044 | 79°F |
| Cumberland | 21501 | 75°F |
| District Heights | 20747 | 79°F |
| Easton | 21601 | 79°F |
| Elkton | 21921 | 77°F |
| Ellicott City | 21041 | 79°F |
| Essex | 21221 | 79°F |
| Fort Washington | 20744 | 79°F |
| Frederick | 21701 | 79°F |
| Gaithersburg | 20877 | 79°F |
| Germantown | 20874 | 79°F |
| Glen Burnie | 21060 | 79°F |
| Greenbelt | 20768 | 79°F |
| Hagerstown | 21740 | 79°F |
| Hanover | 21076 | 79°F |
| Hunt Valley | 21031 | 79°F |
| Hyattsville | 20781 | 79°F |
| Kensington | 20891 | 79°F |
| Lanham | 20703 | 79°F |
| Laurel | 20707 | 79°F |
| Lutherville Timonium | 21093 | 79°F |
| Nationwide Fulfill Systems | 21681 | 79°F |
| Ocean City | 21842 | 84°F* |
| Olney | 20830 | 79°F |
| Oxon Hill | 20745 | 79°F |
| Pasadena | 21122 | 79°F |
| Potomac | 20854 | 79°F |
| Ridgely | 21660 | 79°F |
| Riverdale | 20737 | 79°F |
| Rockville | 20847 | 79°F |
| Salisbury | 21801 | 84°F* |
| Silver Spring | 20901 | 79°F |
| Southern Md Facility | 20697 | 79°F |
| Suitland | 20746 | 79°F |
| Takoma Park | 20912 | 79°F |
| Temple Hills | 20748 | 79°F |
| Towson | 21204 | 79°F |
| Upper Marlboro | 20772 | 79°F |
| Waldorf | 20601 | 79°F |
| Westminster | 21157 | 79°F |
| Westover | 21871 | 88°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Maryland
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Maryland
What is the current soil temperature in Maryland?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Maryland is 79°F, based on 1 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 79°F to 79°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Maryland?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Maryland, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Maryland?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.