Jen
May is one of my favorite months in the garden. The days are longer, the soil is warming up, and the risk of frost has passed in most regions—making it the perfect time to plant a wide variety of vegetables. Whether you’re growing in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground, May offers plenty of opportunities to start or expand your kitchen garden.
In this post, we’ll explore the best vegetables to plant in May, organized by cool-season crops you can still sneak in, and warm-season favorites that thrive in the growing heat. So grab your gloves and let’s get planting!
Cool-Season Vegetables You Can Still Plant in Early May
If you live in a cooler zone or higher elevation, May might still feel like spring. You can still plant the following cool-weather veggies, especially in the first half of the month:
1. Lettuce
This leafy favorite thrives in cooler temperatures and grows quickly. Try romaine, butterhead, or cut-and-come-again mixes. Sow every 1–2 weeks for a steady harvest.
2. Spinach
Spinach prefers cool soil and bolts quickly in heat, so plant it early in May or in shadier spots if your climate is warming up fast.
3. Radishes
Fast-growing and easy for beginners, radishes mature in as little as 3–4 weeks. Great for container gardening too.
4. Beets
Both the roots and the greens are edible. Beets are a great dual-purpose crop for late spring sowing.
5. Carrots
Still a good time to sow carrots, especially shorter or early varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Nantes’ in well-prepared soil.
6. Peas
If the weather is still mild, you can plant sugar snap or snow peas in early May. Provide support for climbing varieties.
Warm-Season Vegetables to Plant in May
As the weather shifts into summer mode, May is prime time to plant warm-season vegetables that love the heat and sunshine. These veggies will flourish as temperatures rise:
7. Tomatoes
Transplant established tomato seedlings into the garden now that the danger of frost has passed. Choose from cherry, beefsteak, or paste types depending on your cooking needs.
8. Peppers
From sweet bell peppers to spicy jalapeños, May is the ideal time to transplant pepper seedlings into warm soil. They love heat and need full sun.
9. Cucumbers
Direct-sow cucumber seeds or transplant starts in well-drained soil with plenty of sun. Trellis climbing varieties to save space.
10. Zucchini and Summer Squash
These fast-growing vegetables love warm soil. Direct sow seeds in mounds or hills, giving each plant plenty of room to spread.
11. Beans (Bush and Pole)
May is perfect for planting both bush and pole beans. They grow quickly in warm soil and add nitrogen back into the ground, making them great garden companions.
12. Corn
If you have the space, sweet corn thrives when planted in blocks (not rows) for better pollination. Warm soil is key to good germination.
13. Eggplant
Transplant young eggplant seedlings after nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 55°F. They need warmth and steady moisture.
14. Melons
Cantaloupe, watermelon, and other melons love the heat. Start seeds indoors earlier or direct-sow once the soil is fully warm and settled.
15. Okra
A heat-loving plant perfect for Southern gardens or warmer climates. Soak seeds before planting for quicker germination.
Planting Tips for May Gardens
- Check your frost dates: In colder zones, early May might still have lingering cold snaps. Use row covers or cloches to protect sensitive plants.
- Warm up your soil: Raised beds and dark mulch help retain warmth, giving warm-season crops a head start.
- Mulch after planting: A layer of organic mulch helps keep moisture in, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Water consistently: As temperatures rise, ensure your new seedlings get regular water—especially during dry spells.
Final Thoughts
May is a transition month in the garden—a time when cool-season crops are finishing up, and the stars of summer are ready to shine. With a little planning, you can enjoy a lush, productive garden all season long. From crisp lettuce in the early weeks to juicy tomatoes and cucumbers by July, the veggies you plant in May lay the foundation for a delicious harvest.
So get outside, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the beauty of growing your own food. Your garden is calling—and there’s no better time than now.
