What to Plant in May
USDA Zone 9b
Last frost: Feb 1 – Feb 15
Frost-free days: 250–300
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
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Mint
Sweet Potatoes
Okra
Southern Peas
Transplant 6
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
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
Sage
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sweet Potatoes
Mar 15 – May 1
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Direct Sow 3
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Okra
Mar 15 – Jul 1
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Southern Peas
Mar 15 – Aug 1
May Gardening Tips
- Sweet Potatoes, Rosemary, Thyme can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Mint, Okra, Southern Peas 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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