What to Plant in May: A Zone-by-Zone Guide for Vegetable Gardeners

May feels like the real start of the growing season for most gardeners. The days are longer, the soil is warming up, and there’s finally enough light to get warm-season crops going in most parts of the country.

But what you plant in May depends heavily on where you live. A gardener in Minnesota has a very different to-do list than one in Georgia or Southern California.

This guide breaks it down by USDA hardiness zone so you know exactly what belongs in the ground—or under grow lights—this month.

How to Use This Guide

If you’re not sure what zone you’re in, look up your zip code on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones are based on average minimum winter temperatures, but for vegetable gardening, the most important factor is your last frost date.

In May, most of the country has passed its last frost or is right on the edge. That determines whether you’re planting warm-season crops outside or still working from indoors.

What to Plant in May in Zones 3 and 4

If you’re gardening in zones 3 or 4, May is an exciting month—but frost is still a real risk, especially early in the month. Work with that, not against it.

Direct sow outdoors (after last frost or frost-tolerant):

• Peas
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Kale
• Beets

Start indoors:

• Tomatoes (if not already started)
• Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Squash
• Melons

In zone 4, you’ll likely be transplanting warm-season starts outside in late May or early June. Keep an eye on nighttime temperatures and have row cover ready just in case. For a detailed seed-starting calendar, see our guide on when to start seeds in zone 4b.

What to Plant in May in Zones 5 and 6

Zones 5 and 6 are right in the thick of transition in May. Cool-season crops are still producing, and warm-season planting is kicking off.

Direct sow outdoors:

• Beans (after last frost)
• Cucumbers
• Summer squash
• Corn
• Basil
• Swiss chard
• Succession plantings of lettuce and radishes

Transplant outdoors after last frost:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Melons

Zone 5 gardeners should wait until mid-to-late May before setting out frost-sensitive transplants. Zone 6 gardeners can usually start earlier in the month. If you want a full planting timeline, our zone 6a seed starting guide has you covered.

What to Plant in May in Zones 7 and 8

In zones 7 and 8, the last frost is already behind you. May is prime time for warm-season vegetables, and you’ve got a solid growing window ahead.

Direct sow outdoors:

• Beans
• Okra
• Cucumber
• Summer and winter squash
• Corn
• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Sunflowers

Transplant outdoors:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Sweet potatoes

If you’re in zone 8, pay attention to your summer heat window. Getting heat-sensitive crops like lettuce in early May (or skipping them until fall) is a smart move. Tomatoes planted in May should have time to produce before peak summer heat sets in.

What to Plant in May in Zones 9, 10, and 11

Warmer zones have a different challenge in May—heat. The goal is getting crops established before temperatures make growth difficult or stop it altogether.

What works in May:

• Okra (loves heat)
• Sweet potatoes
• Southern peas (black-eyed peas, crowder peas)
• Armenian cucumber
• Malabar spinach
• Yard-long beans
• Basil

What to avoid or watch carefully:

• Standard lettuce and spinach (will bolt quickly)
• Broccoli and cauliflower (better as fall crops in these zones)

In zones 10 and 11, May can feel more like summer management than spring planting. Focus on heat-tolerant varieties and make sure new transplants get consistent water. Many gardeners in these zones start planning their fall garden now.

What to Start Indoors in May

Even if you’re already planting outside, there are still good reasons to start some seeds indoors in May. Succession planting keeps your harvest going longer.

Quick Tips for May Planting Success

A few simple habits can make a big difference in how your May plantings perform throughout the season.

• Check soil temperature, not just air temperature. Most warm-season crops want soil at 60°F or warmer. A cheap soil thermometer is worth having.
• Harden off transplants. Seedlings started indoors need 7–10 days outside in shade before they go in the ground.
• Water consistently after transplanting. The first two weeks are critical for establishment.
• Label everything. It sounds obvious, but in the rush of May planting it’s easy to forget what went where.

Frequently Asked Questions About May Planting

Is it too late to start tomatoes in May?

In zones 3–5, May is actually a fine time to start tomatoes indoors if you haven’t already. In zones 6 and warmer, you’re better off buying transplants from a local nursery at this point.

Can I plant lettuce in May?

In zones 3–6, yes—lettuce does well in May’s cooler temperatures. In zones 7 and warmer, lettuce will bolt quickly in the heat. Stick to bolt-resistant varieties or grow it in partial shade.

What vegetables grow fastest in May?

Radishes, lettuce, and beans are among the fastest-growing vegetables you can plant in May. Radishes can be ready in as little as 25 days.

Should I fertilize when I plant in May?

A light application of balanced fertilizer or compost worked into the soil at planting time is helpful. Avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen-heavy products at transplant time—it can encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruit.

What if I missed my last frost date?

Don’t stress. Most warm-season crops planted in late May rather than early May will still produce a full harvest. The growing window is longer than many gardeners think.