What to Plant in May
USDA Zone 10a
Last frost: Jan 15 – Feb 1
Frost-free days: 300–365
Full summer mode — everything warm-season is in the ground and growing. Keep succession planting beans, squash, and cucumbers. Start heat-tolerant crops for midsummer harvests.
May at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Mint
Lemongrass
Sweet Potatoes
Okra
Tropical Crops
Transplant 8
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Basil
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Rosemary
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Oregano
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Lemongrass
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Tropical Crops
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Sweet Potatoes
Mar 1 – Jun 1
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Direct Sow 4
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Basil
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Tropical Crops
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Okra
Mar 1 – Jul 1
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
May Gardening Tips
- Sweet Potatoes, Basil, Rosemary can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Basil, Mint, Tropical Crops 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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