What to Plant in May
Fargo, ND · Zone 4a
Last frost: May 15
Frost-free days: 133
Frost may still be possible early in the month. Harden off your indoor seedlings and transplant after your last frost date. Direct sow beans, squash, and cucumbers once the soil warms.
May at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
Start Indoors 10
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Parsley
Feb 8 – May 8
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Broccoli
Feb 22 – May 31
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cabbage
Feb 22 – May 23
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Feb 22 – May 31
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Kale
Mar 1 – Jun 23
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Lettuce
Mar 17 – May 31
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Swiss Chard
Mar 17 – Jul 16
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Squash
Apr 24 – Jun 8
1 per sq ft
45–65 days
Zucchini
Apr 24 – Jun 8
1 per sq ft
45–60 days
Cucumber
May 9–23
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Growing guide
Transplant 22
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Plant now
Chives
Apr 16 – Jun 23
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Apr 16 – Jun 15
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Parsley
Apr 16 – Jul 16
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Broccoli
Apr 16 – Jul 23
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Brussels Sprouts
Apr 16 – Jun 30
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Cabbage
Apr 16 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Apr 16 – Jul 23
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Kale
Apr 16 – Aug 8
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Leek
Apr 16 – Jun 8
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Lettuce
Apr 16 – Jun 8
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Onion
Apr 16 – Jun 8
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Spinach
Apr 16 – May 31
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
Strawberry
Apr 16 – Jun 15
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Swiss Chard
Apr 16 – Aug 16
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Oregano
May 1 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
May 1–31
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Thyme
May 1 – Jun 8
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
May 1 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Celery
May 1 – Jun 15
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Later this month
Squash
May 17 – Jun 30
1 per sq ft
45–65 days
Tomato
May 17–31
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Growing guide
Zucchini
May 17 – Jun 30
1 per sq ft
45–60 days
Direct Sow 9
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Plant now
Beet
Apr 9 – Aug 23
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Peas
Apr 9 – Aug 16
8 per sq ft
55–70 days
Radish
Apr 9 – Jun 8
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Cilantro
Apr 16 – Jun 8
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Turnip
Apr 16 – Sep 8
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Carrot
Apr 24 – Jul 23
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Potato
Apr 24 – Jun 23
1 per sq ft
70–150 days
Later this month
Dill
May 17 – Jul 23
4 per sq ft
40–60 days
Beans (Bush)
May 17 – Jun 23
9 per sq ft
50–60 days
May Gardening Tips
- Start Cucumber, Squash, Zucchini indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Tomato, Squash, Zucchini can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Beans (Bush), Carrot, Peas straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Mulch around transplants with 2–3 inches of straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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