What to Plant in May
USDA Zone 5b
Last frost: Apr 15 – May 1
Frost-free days: 150–170
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
Sunflowers
Nasturtiums
Cosmos
Snapdragons
Calendula
Alyssum
Dahlias
Morning Glory
Celosia
Basil
Cilantro
Dill
Parsley
Chives
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Rosemary
Lavender
Tarragon
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Brussels Sprouts
Kale
Lettuce
Beans (bush)
Beans (pole)
Cucumbers
Summer Squash
Winter Squash
Pumpkins
Corn
Carrots
Beets
Radishes
Swiss Chard
Celery
Leeks
Okra
Sweet Potatoes
Watermelon
Transplant 33
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Plant now
Snapdragons
Apr 15 – May 1
Parsley
Apr 15 – May 1
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Chives
Apr 15 – May 1
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Broccoli
Apr 15 – May 1
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cauliflower
Apr 15 – May 1
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Cabbage
Apr 15 – May 1
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Brussels Sprouts
Apr 15 – May 1
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Kale
Apr 15 – May 1
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Swiss Chard
Apr 15 – May 1
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Leeks
Apr 15 – May 1
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Thyme
May 1–8
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Oregano
May 1–8
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
May 1–8
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Lavender
May 1–8
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Tarragon
May 1–8
Marigolds
May 5–15
Zinnias
May 5–15
Nasturtiums
May 5–12
Tomatoes
May 5–15
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Celery
May 5–15
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Dahlias
May 10–20
Celosia
May 10–20
Basil
May 10–20
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Rosemary
May 10–17
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Peppers
May 10–20
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cucumbers
May 10–20
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Summer Squash
May 10–20
Winter Squash
May 10–20
Pumpkins
May 10–20
¼ per sq ft
85–120 days
Eggplant
May 15–25
1 per sq ft
70–90 days
Okra
May 15–25
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Watermelon
May 15–20
¼ per sq ft
70–90 days
Later this month
Sweet Potatoes
May 20 – Jun 1
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Direct Sow 25
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Cilantro
Apr 1 – May 1
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Lettuce
Apr 1 – May 15
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Carrots
Apr 1 – Jul 1
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Beets
Apr 1 – Jul 1
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Radishes
Apr 1 – Sep 1
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Calendula
Apr 15 – May 1
Alyssum
Apr 15 – May 1
Dill
Apr 15 – Jun 1
4 per sq ft
40–60 days
Kale
Apr 15 – May 1
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Swiss Chard
Apr 15 – May 1
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Sunflowers
May 1 – Jun 1
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cosmos
May 1 – Jun 1
Nasturtiums
May 5–15
Morning Glory
May 5–15
Beans (bush)
May 5 – Jun 15
9 per sq ft
50–60 days
Beans (pole)
May 5 – Jun 1
Corn
May 5 – Jun 1
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Marigolds
May 10–17
Zinnias
May 10 – Jun 1
Celosia
May 10–17
Cucumbers
May 10 – Jun 1
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Summer Squash
May 10 – Jun 1
Winter Squash
May 10 – Jun 1
Pumpkins
May 10 – Jun 1
¼ per sq ft
85–120 days
Okra
May 15–25
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
May Gardening Tips
- Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Corn, Lettuce, 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.
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