What to Plant in May
USDA Zone 6b
Last frost: Apr 1 – Apr 15
Frost-free days: 170–190
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
Marigolds
Zinnias
Sunflowers
Nasturtiums
Cosmos
Dahlias
Morning Glory
Celosia
Petunia
Basil
Dill
Rosemary
Fennel
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Lettuce
Beans (bush)
Beans (pole)
Cucumbers
Summer Squash
Winter Squash
Pumpkins
Corn
Carrots
Beets
Radishes
Celery
Okra
Sweet Potatoes
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Transplant 20
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Petunia
Apr 15 – May 1
Fennel
Apr 15 – May 1
Tomatoes
Apr 20 – May 5
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Celery
Apr 20 – May 5
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Marigolds
Apr 25 – May 5
Zinnias
Apr 25 – May 5
Cucumbers
Apr 25 – May 10
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Summer Squash
Apr 25 – May 10
Winter Squash
Apr 25 – May 10
Pumpkins
Apr 25 – May 10
¼ per sq ft
85–120 days
Dahlias
May 1–10
Celosia
May 1–10
Basil
May 1–10
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Rosemary
May 1–8
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Peppers
May 1–10
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Watermelon
May 1–10
¼ per sq ft
70–90 days
Cantaloupe
May 1–10
Eggplant
May 5–15
1 per sq ft
70–90 days
Okra
May 5–15
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Sweet Potatoes
May 10–20
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Direct Sow 22
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Lettuce
Mar 15 – May 1
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Carrots
Mar 15 – Jul 15
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Beets
Mar 15 – Jul 15
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Radishes
Mar 15 – Sep 15
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Dill
Apr 1 – May 15
4 per sq ft
40–60 days
Fennel
Apr 15 – May 1
Sunflowers
Apr 20 – Jun 1
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Nasturtiums
Apr 20 – May 5
Cosmos
Apr 20 – May 15
Morning Glory
Apr 20 – May 10
Beans (bush)
Apr 20 – Jul 1
9 per sq ft
50–60 days
Beans (pole)
Apr 20 – May 15
Corn
Apr 20 – Jun 1
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cucumbers
Apr 25 – Jun 1
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Summer Squash
Apr 25 – Jun 1
Winter Squash
Apr 25 – May 15
Pumpkins
Apr 25 – May 15
¼ per sq ft
85–120 days
Marigolds
May 1–8
Zinnias
May 1 – Jun 1
Celosia
May 1–8
Cantaloupe
May 1–10
Okra
May 5–15
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
May Gardening Tips
- Watermelon, Eggplant, Celery can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Corn, Lettuce, Carrots 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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