May is the month when gardens truly come alive—seedlings stretch toward the sun, soil warms, and the promise of summer harvests feels within reach. Whether you're in the lingering cool of Zone 4 or the balmy embrace of Zone 8, May is a time of rapid growth and opportunity.
This is the month to finish transplanting tender crops, succession-sow for continuous harvests, and prepare for the heat ahead. Timing is still key, but with frost (mostly) behind us, the garden is wide open.
What to Plant in May
May is all about transitioning from cool-season to warm-season crops. Your last frost date has likely passed (check yours here), so it’s time to shift gears.
Seeds to Start Indoors (If You Haven’t Already)
Some warm-season crops still benefit from a short indoor head start before transplanting:
- Cucumbers & Melons – These heat-lovers can be started now for transplanting in late May or early June. Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing roots.
- Squash & Pumpkins – Fast growers, but starting indoors ensures strong seedlings before squash bugs become a problem.
- Basil & Other Tender Herbs – Keep basil indoors until nights stay reliably warm (above 50°F).
Seeds to Direct Sow
Now that the soil is warm, many crops can go straight into the ground:
- Beans (Bush & Pole) – Plant in succession every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Corn – Needs warm soil to germinate. Plant in blocks (not rows) for better pollination.
- Okra – Thrives in heat. Soak seeds overnight to speed germination.
- Zucchini & Summer Squash – One plant will feed a family (and half the neighborhood).
- Sunflowers, Zinnias & Cosmos – Great for pollinators and pure garden joy.
Cool-Season Crops to Sow (For Late Spring/Early Summer Harvest)
In cooler parts of Zones 4-6, you can still sneak in:
- Lettuce & Spinach – Choose heat-resistant varieties like ‘Buttercrunch’ or ‘New Zealand Spinach.’
- Radishes & Carrots – Quick-growing and perfect for interplanting between slower crops.
- Kale & Swiss Chard – Bolt-resistant types will keep producing into summer.
Seedlings to Transplant Now
If you started seeds indoors in April (or bought nursery plants), these can go in the ground:
- Tomatoes – Bury stems deep (up to the first true leaves) for stronger roots.
- Peppers & Eggplants – Wait until nighttime temps stay above 55°F.
- Broccoli & Cauliflower – Only in cooler zones (4-5); they’ll bolt in heat.
- Herbs – Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage can all go out now.
Common May Gardening Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Ignoring Soil Temperature – Warm-season crops like beans and corn won’t germinate well in cold soil. Use a soil thermometer (aim for at least 60°F).
- Overcrowding Plants – Give tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers space for airflow.
- Forgetting to Mulch – A layer of straw or compost keeps soil moist and suppresses weeds.
- Skipping Succession Planting – Sow lettuce, radishes, and beans every 2-3 weeks for nonstop harvests.
- Not Staking Early – Tomatoes and peppers grow fast—install cages or trellises before they flop.
What About Other Zones?
Zones 1-3: Just Getting Started
Your last frost is likely in late May or early June. Focus on:
- Hardy greens (kale, spinach)
- Peas & Radishes (direct sow as soon as soil is workable)
- Starting tomatoes & peppers indoors (they’ll need all summer to mature)
Zones 9-10: Prepping for the Heat
Your main challenge now is avoiding scorching temps:
- Switch to heat-loving crops (sweet potatoes, Southern peas, hot peppers).
- Shade young plants during peak afternoon sun.
- Water deeply in the morning to prevent evaporation stress.
May gardens are full of optimism—every seed holds potential. But gardening also teaches patience. Not everything will thrive, and that’s okay. The best gardeners learn from each season. So, get your hands dirty, watch for pollinators, and take a moment to enjoy the quiet magic of growth
Happy gardening,
Irma, Dig.® 🌱
P.S. Tag us when you share your May garden. We love seeing what you grow!
P.P.S. Don’t forget to hydrate and use sunblock.