What should I plant in May in zone 3b?

In May in zone 3b, you can plant Marigolds, Zinnias, Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, Snapdragons, and more. Check indoor start, transplant, and direct sow dates for your specific zone.

When do I plant Marigolds in zone 3b?

In zone 3b, Marigolds: start seeds indoors Apr 15--May 1, transplant outdoors Jun 1--10, direct sow Jun 1.

When do I plant Zinnias in zone 3b?

In zone 3b, Zinnias: start seeds indoors May 1, transplant outdoors Jun 1--10, direct sow Jun 1--15.

When do I plant Nasturtiums in zone 3b?

In zone 3b, Nasturtiums: start seeds indoors May 1, transplant outdoors Jun 1, direct sow Jun 1.

What to Plant in May

USDA Zone 3b

Last frost: May 15 – Jun 1 Frost-free days: 90–120

Zone:

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

1 5 10 15 20 25

Marigolds

Zinnias

Nasturtiums

Sweet Peas

Snapdragons

Calendula

Alyssum

Basil

Cilantro

Dill

Parsley

Chives

Mint

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cabbage

Brussels Sprouts

Kale

Lettuce

Spinach

Peas

Cucumbers

Summer Squash

Winter Squash

Pumpkins

Carrots

Beets

Radishes

Turnips

Onions (sets)

Onions (seed)

Potatoes

Swiss Chard

Start Indoors 8

Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.

Marigolds

Apr 15 – May 1

Basil

Apr 15 – May 1

4 per sq ft 25–35 days

Zinnias

May 1–8

Nasturtiums

May 1–8

Cucumbers

May 1–15

2 per sq ft 50–70 days

Summer Squash

May 1–15

Winter Squash

May 1–15

Pumpkins

May 1–15

¼ per sq ft 85–120 days

Transplant 13

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Lettuce

May 1–15

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Onions (seed)

May 1–15

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Snapdragons

May 15 – Jun 1

Alyssum

May 15–22

Parsley

May 15 – Jun 1

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Chives

May 15 – Jun 1

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

May 15–22

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Broccoli

May 15 – Jun 1

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cauliflower

May 15 – Jun 1

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Cabbage

May 15 – Jun 1

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Brussels Sprouts

May 15 – Jun 1

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Kale

May 15 – Jun 1

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Swiss Chard

May 15 – Jun 1

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Direct Sow 19

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Sweet Peas

Apr 15 – May 1

Spinach

Apr 15 – May 15

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Peas

Apr 15 – May 15

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Cilantro

May 1 – Jun 1

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Lettuce

May 1 – Jun 15

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Carrots

May 1 – Jun 1

16 per sq ft 70–80 days

Beets

May 1 – Jun 1

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Radishes

May 1 – Aug 1

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

Turnips

May 1–15

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Onions (sets)

May 1–15

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Potatoes

May 1–15

1 per sq ft 70–150 days

Calendula

May 15 – Jun 1

Alyssum

May 15 – Jun 1

Dill

May 15 – Jun 15

4 per sq ft 40–60 days

Parsley

May 15–22

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Chives

May 15–22

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

May 15–22

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Kale

May 15 – Jun 1

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Swiss Chard

May 15 – Jun 1

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

May Gardening Tips

Start Marigolds, Basil, Zinnias indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
Direct sow Lettuce, Peas, Kale 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.