What to plant in May
What to start indoors, plant or sow outside, and harvest in May, for every hardiness zone from 3a to 10b. Find your zone, or enter your ZIP code for dates made for exactly where you live.
May in each zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Plant or sow outside | Harvest (food crops) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Sweet potato, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Basil, Cannabis regular, Marigold, Napa cabbage, Malabar spinach, Cucamelon, Thai basil, Strawflower, Pansy / viola | Lettuce, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Swiss chard, Potato, Onion, Cilantro, Parsley, Arugula, Bok choy, Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Leeks, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Turnip, Celery, Shallots, Scallions, Artichoke, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Horseradish, Strawberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Honeyberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Calendula, Sweet alyssum, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Napa cabbage, Daikon radish, Broccoli raab, Celeriac, Sorrel, Sunchoke, Blackberry, Raspberry, Grape, Currant, Gooseberry, Elderberry, Fig, Apple tree, Pear tree, Peach tree, Apricot tree, Cherry tree, Plum tree, Marjoram, Catnip, Chervil, Lovage, Garlic chives, Snapdragon, Bachelor's button, Phacelia, Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed, Petunia, Pansy / viola, Salvia, Hosta, Daylily, Peony, Rose, Crimson clover, Oats, White clover | Spinach, Radish, Asparagus, Rhubarb |
| Zone 3b | Sweet potato, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cannabis regular, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Pansy / viola | Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Swiss chard, Potato, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Bok choy, Brussels sprouts, Leeks, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Celery, Artichoke, Pole beans, Lima beans, Edamame, Tomatillo, Horseradish, Ground cherry, Strawberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Calendula, Cosmos, Sweet alyssum, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Daikon radish, Celeriac, Sunchoke, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Blackberry, Raspberry, Grape, Elderberry, Fig, Apple tree, Pear tree, Peach tree, Apricot tree, Cherry tree, Plum tree, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Catnip, Chervil, Lovage, Garlic chives, Snapdragon, Phacelia, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed, Petunia, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Salvia, Coleus, Hosta, Daylily, Peony, Rose, Buckwheat, White clover | Spinach, Radish, Arugula, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Mâche |
| Zone 4a | Sweet potato, Cauliflower, Cannabis regular, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Pansy / viola | Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Swiss chard, Potato, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Bok choy, Brussels sprouts, Leeks, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Celery, Artichoke, Pole beans, Lima beans, Edamame, Tomatillo, Horseradish, Ground cherry, Strawberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Calendula, Cosmos, Sweet alyssum, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Daikon radish, Celeriac, Sunchoke, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Blackberry, Raspberry, Grape, Elderberry, Fig, Apple tree, Pear tree, Peach tree, Apricot tree, Cherry tree, Plum tree, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Catnip, Chervil, Lovage, Garlic chives, Snapdragon, Phacelia, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed, Petunia, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Salvia, Coleus, Hosta, Daylily, Peony, Rose, Buckwheat, White clover | Spinach, Radish, Arugula, Mustard greens, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Mâche, Mizuna |
| Zone 4b | Cannabis regular, Radicchio, Pansy / viola | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Okra, Sweet potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Swiss chard, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Parsley, Dill, Brussels sprouts, Leeks, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Celery, Artichoke, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Honeydew, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Calendula, Cosmos, Sweet alyssum, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Celeriac, Sunchoke, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Fig, Meyer lemon, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Catnip, Lovage, Garlic chives, Snapdragon, Phacelia, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed, Petunia, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Salvia, Vinca, Coleus, Hosta, Daylily, Peony, Rose, Buckwheat | Lettuce, Spinach, Radish, Arugula, Mustard greens, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Mâche, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Broccoli raab |
| Zone 5a | Pansy / viola | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Okra, Sweet potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Dill, Celery, Artichoke, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Honeydew, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Cosmos, Sweet alyssum, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Celeriac, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Fig, Meyer lemon, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed, Petunia, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Salvia, Vinca, Coleus, Hosta, Daylily, Buckwheat | Lettuce, Spinach, Radish, Peas, Arugula, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Turnip, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Mâche, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Broccoli raab |
| Zone 5b | — | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Okra, Sweet potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Dill, Celery, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Honeydew, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Lemon balm, Fennel, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Cosmos, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Celeriac, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Fig, Meyer lemon, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Coneflower, Milkweed, Petunia, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Salvia, Vinca, Coleus, Hosta, Daylily, Buckwheat | Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Radish, Peas, Cilantro, Arugula, Bok choy, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Turnip, Snap peas, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Mint, Mâche, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Broccoli raab |
| Zone 6a | — | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Okra, Sweet potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Dill, Celery, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Honeydew, Rosemary, Tarragon, Lavender, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Cosmos, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Celeriac, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Fig, Meyer lemon, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Milkweed, Petunia, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Salvia, Vinca, Coleus, Buckwheat | Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Beet, Peas, Cilantro, Arugula, Bok choy, Collard greens, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Turnip, Scallions, Snap peas, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Mint, Mâche, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Broccoli raab, Sorrel, Chervil |
| Zone 6b | — | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Okra, Sweet potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Dill, Celery, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Honeydew, Rosemary, Tarragon, Lavender, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Cosmos, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Celeriac, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Fig, Meyer lemon, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Milkweed, Petunia, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Salvia, Vinca, Coleus, Buckwheat | Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Beet, Peas, Cilantro, Arugula, Bok choy, Collard greens, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Turnip, Scallions, Snap peas, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Chives, Mint, Mâche, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Daikon radish, Broccoli raab, Sorrel, Chervil |
| Zone 7a | — | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Okra, Sweet potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Basil, Cannabis auto, Cannabis regular, Dill, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Honeydew, Marigold, Nasturtium, Zinnia, Cosmos, Sunflower, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Peanuts, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Meyer lemon, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Strawflower, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Impatiens, Geranium, Begonia, Vinca, Coleus, Buckwheat | Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Beet, Peas, Swiss chard, Basil, Cilantro, Arugula, Bok choy, Collard greens, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Turnip, Scallions, Snap peas, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Chives, Mint, Chamomile, Mâche, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Daikon radish, Broccoli raab, Fava beans, Sorrel, Catnip, Chervil |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Lettuce, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Peas, Swiss chard, Basil, Cilantro, Bok choy, Collard greens, Kohlrabi, Mustard greens, Turnip, Scallions, Snap peas, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Honeyberry, Chives, Rosemary, Mint, Chamomile, Borage, Mâche, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Daikon radish, Broccoli raab, Fava beans, Sorrel, Catnip, Chervil |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Lettuce, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Peas, Swiss chard, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Bok choy, Collard greens, Mustard greens, Turnip, Scallions, Snap peas, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Honeyberry, Chives, Oregano, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Chamomile, Borage, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Napa cabbage, Daikon radish, Fava beans, Sorrel, Amaranth, Cherry tree, Catnip, Chervil |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Green beans, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Swiss chard, Potato, Onion, Onion, Basil, Parsley, Dill, Collard greens, Shallots, Scallions, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Honeyberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Chamomile, Tarragon, Borage, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Daikon radish, Fava beans, Sorrel, Amaranth, Currant, Gooseberry, Cherry tree, Catnip, Chervil, Lovage, Garlic chives |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Green beans, Okra, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Swiss chard, Potato, Onion, Onion, Basil, Parsley, Dill, Collard greens, Rutabaga, Shallots, Scallions, Pole beans, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Borage, Cherry tomato, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Daikon radish, Fava beans, Sorrel, Amaranth, Blackberry, Currant, Gooseberry, Apricot tree, Cherry tree, Thai basil, Summer savory, Marjoram, Catnip, Chervil, Lovage, Garlic chives |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Sweet corn, Green beans, Okra, Kale, Carrot, Swiss chard, Potato, Onion, Onion, Basil, Cannabis auto, Parsley, Dill, Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Leeks, Rutabaga, Shallots, Scallions, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Borage, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Napa cabbage, Sorrel, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Cucamelon, Blackberry, Currant, Gooseberry, Apricot tree, Thai basil, Summer savory, Marjoram, Catnip, Lovage, Garlic chives |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Sweet corn, Green beans, Dry beans, Okra, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Kale, Swiss chard, Potato, Onion, Onion, Basil, Cannabis auto, Parsley, Dill, Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Leeks, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Celery, Shallots, Scallions, Artichoke, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Endive / escarole, Radicchio, Sorrel, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Cucamelon, Blackberry, Elderberry, Peach tree, Plum tree, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Catnip, Lovage, Garlic chives |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini / Summer squash, Winter squash, Pumpkin, Sweet corn, Dry beans, Okra, Sweet potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Swiss chard, Basil, Cannabis auto, Parsley, Dill, Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Leeks, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Celery, Artichoke, Pole beans, Lima beans, Southern peas, Edamame, Tomatillo, Ground cherry, Honeydew, Strawberry, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon balm, Fennel, Chamomile, Tarragon, Lavender, Borage, Cherry tomato, Hot pepper, Celeriac, Sorrel, Malabar spinach, Amaranth, Popcorn, Cucamelon, Elderberry, Peach tree, Plum tree, Thai basil, Lemongrass, Stevia, Summer savory, Marjoram, Catnip, Lovage, Garlic chives |
These follow each zone's average frost dates, and include fall crops. Crops planted in fall for next year (garlic, spring bulbs) show under planting.
Tips for May
- Pick greens from the outside in. Take the outer leaves of lettuce, kale, chard, and collards, and leave the center to keep growing. One planting keeps giving for weeks.
- The last frost date is only an average. In about half of years, there's a frost after the average last frost date. Keep row cover handy for a couple of weeks past it.
- Water new transplants every day at first. Transplants have small roots that can only reach the soil right around them. Water every day or two for the first week or two, then switch to deep, less frequent watering.
- Dig less, and add compost on top. Turning the soil every year breaks down its crumbly structure and brings buried weed seeds up to sprout. Spread compost on top instead, and let worms and roots mix it in.
For a garden in the middle of the country (around zone 6). Colder places run a few weeks behind, warmer ones ahead.