What to Plant in May
Hartford, CT · Zone 6b
Last frost: Apr 25
Frost-free days: 173
Frost is behind you and the soil is warm — this is prime planting season. Most warm-season crops can go directly into the ground now. Transplant the seedlings you started indoors.
May at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Start Indoors 14
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Parsley
Jan 24 – May 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
Feb 1 – May 8
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Broccoli
Feb 8 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cabbage
Feb 8 – May 23
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Feb 8 – Jun 23
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Oregano
Feb 15 – May 8
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Kale
Feb 15 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Strawberry
Feb 15 – May 16
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Lettuce
Mar 1 – May 23
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Spinach
Mar 1 – May 8
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
Swiss Chard
Mar 1 – Jul 31
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Squash
Apr 16 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
45–65 days
Zucchini
Apr 16 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
45–60 days
Cucumber
May 1–31
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Growing guide
Transplant 26
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Plant now
Chives
Apr 1 – Jun 30
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Apr 1 – Jun 30
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Parsley
Apr 1 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Broccoli
Apr 1 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Brussels Sprouts
Apr 1 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Cabbage
Apr 1 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Apr 1 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Kale
Apr 1 – Aug 31
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Leek
Apr 1 – Jun 23
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Lettuce
Apr 1 – Jun 23
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Onion
Apr 1 – Jun 30
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Spinach
Apr 1 – Jun 8
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
Strawberry
Apr 1 – Jun 30
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Swiss Chard
Apr 1 – Aug 31
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Lavender
Apr 9 – May 8
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Oregano
Apr 9 – Jun 30
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Rosemary
Apr 9 – May 23
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Sage
Apr 9 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Thyme
Apr 9 – Jun 23
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
Apr 9 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Celery
Apr 9 – Jul 16
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Sunflower
Apr 24 – May 23
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Squash
May 9 – Jul 8
1 per sq ft
45–65 days
Tomato
May 9 – Jun 8
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Growing guide
Zucchini
May 9 – Jul 8
1 per sq ft
45–60 days
Later this month
Direct Sow 11
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Plant now
Garlic
Jan 1 – Jul 23
9 per sq ft
180–240 days
Beet
Mar 17 – Sep 15
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Peas
Mar 17 – Jul 8
8 per sq ft
55–70 days
Cilantro
Mar 24 – Jun 23
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Radish
Mar 24 – Jun 23
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Turnip
Mar 24 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Carrot
Apr 1 – Aug 8
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Potato
Apr 9 – Jul 8
1 per sq ft
70–150 days
Later this month
Dill
May 17 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
40–60 days
Beans (Bush)
May 17 – Jul 8
9 per sq ft
50–60 days
Corn
May 17–31
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
May Gardening Tips
- Start Cucumber, Squash, Zucchini indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Tomato, Cucumber, Squash can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Corn, Beans (Bush), Carrot 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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