As spring transitions into early summer, May offers ideal conditions for planting a variety of crops and flowers. The soil has warmed, frost threats have diminished in many regions, and longer daylight hours create perfect growing conditions. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, May presents numerous opportunities to establish a thriving garden that will produce throughout the summer and into fall.
Understanding what to plant now can maximize your garden’s productivity while creating a beautiful outdoor space. This guide highlights the best vegetables, herbs, and flowers to plant in May, along with practical tips to ensure gardening success during this pivotal growing month.
Table of Contents
Vegetable Stars for May Planting
May marks the perfect time to plant warm-season vegetables that thrive in the increasing temperatures.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes stand at the top of many gardeners’ lists, with countless varieties from tiny cherries to hefty beefsteaks ready for transplanting. When planting tomatoes, set them deeply—burying part of the stem promotes additional root growth, resulting in stronger plants.
Space them 18-24 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow, which reduces disease risk. Companion planting with basil not only maximizes garden space but potentially deters pests and enhances tomato flavor.
Peppers
Dragons Breath Peppers
Peppers—both sweet and hot varieties—also perform exceptionally well when planted in May. These heat-lovers require soil temperatures of at least 65°F for optimal growth. Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, positioning them 18 inches apart.
Unlike tomatoes, peppers should be planted at the same depth as their nursery containers to prevent stem rot. Consider adding calcium to the soil to prevent blossom end rot, a common pepper problem.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers (latin Cucumis sativus L)
Cucumbers, zucchini, and summer squash belong to the cucurbit family and flourish when directly sown in May. These rapid growers can be planted in hills or rows, with 2-3 seeds per location. Once seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest plant.
Cucurbits
Cucurbits benefit from warm soil and consistent moisture, making May’s conditions ideal. Consider vertical trellising for cucumbers to save space and produce straighter fruits. Zucchini and summer squash spread horizontally, requiring about 3-4 feet between plants.
Harvesting frequently encourages continued production throughout summer.
Beans
Fava Beans is an easy-to-grow vegetable in a spring garden
Beans—both bush and pole varieties—germinate quickly in warm May soil. Direct sow them 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. Pole beans require support structures, while bush beans stand independently.
For continuous harvests, plant new bean seeds every two weeks through early summer. Their nitrogen-fixing properties make them valuable rotation crops that improve soil health for future plantings while producing nutritious harvests within 50-60 days.
Herbs and Flowers for May Gardens
May presents the perfect opportunity to establish a productive herb garden. Basil, the quintessential summer herb, thrives when planted in May’s warming soil. Place basil plants 12-18 inches apart in full sun locations with rich, well-draining soil.
Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent premature flowering. This harvesting technique ensures continuous leaf production throughout summer.
Cilantro, Dill and Parsley
Cilantro
Cilantro, dill, and parsley can be directly sown in May. These herbs prefer cooler conditions than basil, making them perfect for partially shaded garden spots. Succession planting every 2-3 weeks extends harvests, particularly important for cilantro and dill which bolt quickly in summer heat.
Consider planting these herbs near vegetable gardens where they attract beneficial insects while providing fresh flavors for summer meals.
Flowers: Black-Eyed Susan, Salvia
Black-eyed Susan is by far the favorite plant that bees visit in a garden
May flower planting focuses on both perennials and annuals. Perennial favorites include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and salvias that establish themselves during summer and return year after year. Plant these perennials with their mature size in mind, spacing them adequately to prevent overcrowding.
Water deeply after planting to encourage root development into surrounding soil.
For immediate color, May offers perfect timing for annual flowers. Zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers directly sown now quickly develop into stunning blooms that attract pollinators throughout summer. Marigolds, petunias, and calibrachoa transplanted from nursery starts provide instant garden impact while repelling certain garden pests.
Consider combining different heights, colors, and blooming periods when planning flower placements to create continuous visual interest and pollinator support throughout the growing season.
Essential May Planting Techniques
Success with May plantings requires proper soil preparation. Begin by clearing beds of winter debris and weeds. Add 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure, working it into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
This organic matter improves both drainage in clay soils and water retention in sandy soils while providing nutrients for growing plants. Consider performing a soil test to determine if additional amendments are needed for specific crops.
Watering techniques become crucial as temperatures rise. Young plants and seeds require consistent moisture to establish properly. Consider installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to soil rather than foliage, reducing disease potential.
Mulching newly planted areas with 2-3 inches of organic material conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually improves soil structure as it breaks down over the season.
Hardening off transplants remains essential even in May. Before moving indoor-started seedlings or nursery-purchased plants into garden beds, acclimate them gradually to outdoor conditions. Begin with a few hours of filtered sunlight, gradually increasing exposure over 5-7 days until plants can handle full garden conditions.
This process prevents transplant shock and sunscald while significantly improving survival rates and early growth.
Pest management starts at planting time. Inspect all new plants for signs of insects or disease before introducing them to your garden. Consider preventative measures like floating row covers for young seedlings, particularly for crops vulnerable to insect damage.
Establishing diverse plantings that include flowering herbs and companion plants creates habitat for beneficial insects that naturally control many common garden pests.
Your May Planting Roadmap
May represents a pivotal moment in the gardening calendar—a time when possibilities expand and growth accelerates. By selecting appropriate plants for your growing zone and implementing proper planting techniques, you establish the foundation for months of garden productivity and beauty. Remember that timing remains flexible depending on your specific climate, with southern gardeners possibly advancing to heat-tolerant varieties while northern gardeners might still incorporate cool-season crops.
Maintain a garden journal to track successes and challenges, creating a personalized planting guide for future May gardening endeavors. With thoughtful planning and proper care, your May garden plantings will reward you with abundant harvests and beautiful blooms throughout the growing season ahead.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.