What to Plant in May for a Beautiful Spring Garden

Gardening tools and various plants suitable for May planting.

What to plant in May

Wondering what to plant in May? Sow zinnias, cosmos and marigolds now for vibrant bursts of color, transplant tomatoes and peppers once frost risks fade, and direct-seed cucumbers for crisp summer harvests. Here's how to get your garden thriving this month and set the stage for a lush, blooming spring.

Cheatsheet: May Planting Essentials for Spring Color

🌸 Bright Blooms to Sow

  • Cosmos: vibrant, pollinator-friendly
  • Zinnias: fast-growing, heat-tolerant
  • Sunflowers: hardy, edible seeds
  • Calendula: medicinal, bright blooms

🥗 Nutritious Veggies for May

  • Carrots: vitamin-rich, grow quickly
  • Beets: nutrient-dense, easy-to-grow
  • Cucumbers: hydrating, abundant yield
  • Zucchini: versatile, prolific producer
  • Spinach: quick harvest, iron-packed green

🌿 Flavorful Herbs to Start

  • Basil: aromatic, loves warmth
  • Cilantro: culinary staple, quick to maturity
  • Dill: fragrant, attracts beneficial insects
  • Oregano: perennial, low-maintenance

🔧 Tools and Products You'll Need

  • Quality gardening gloves
  • Hand trowel and cultivator set
  • Organic compost and mulch
  • Eco-friendly plant markers
  • Watering can with spray nozzle

☀️ Quick Care Tips

  • Plant after frost risk passes; soil temp above 60°F (16°C)
  • Space seedlings clearly for proper airflow
  • Water regularly; avoid overhead watering to prevent disease
  • Add organic matter to improve soil fertility
  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

🐝 Pollinator-Friendly Practices

  • Avoid chemical pesticides
  • Choose native, pollinator-attracting plants
  • Provide shallow water source
  • Plant diverse flowers for continuous bloom cycle
-

Vegetables That Thrive When Planted in May

Every May, as the chill finally fades and the soil warms up (soil temperatures around 60-70°F or 16-21°C), I find myself itching to plant veggies that burst into life right about now. One of my favorites: zucchini—easygoing, prolific, sometimes hilariously oversized if you look away too long.

  • Tomatoes—Planting healthy tomato transplants in May gives them a full-season run. Choose heirlooms like 'Brandywine' or 'Cherokee Purple' for flavor so intense it borders on psychedelic.
  • Cucumbers—Quick-growing and satisfying. Consider the compact 'Bush Pickle' or the crunchy 'Marketmore'.
  • Beans—I swear by pole beans such as 'Kentucky Wonder'. Give them vertical support, and they'll reward you with weeks of tender pods.

If you procrastinated on root veggies, no biggie. There's still time to plant carrots, beets, and radishes for a crisp late-summer harvest.

"According to studies, homegrown vegetables carry significantly higher nutrient levels than store-bought produce, and your tastebuds know the difference."

Flowering Annuals to Brighten Your May Garden

May planting for flowers is all about instant gratification. Annuals planted now will show color rapidly and bloom continually throughout the season.

  • Zinnias—These vibrant bloomers germinate easily from seed this month. Last year I planted 'Queen Lime', and by July, butterflies had transformed my garden into a festival.
  • Cosmos—For whimsical blooms dancing above feathery foliage, cosmos like 'Sensation Mix' planted now will thrive effortlessly.
  • Marigolds—Not your grandma's flowers anymore. Varieties like 'French Vanilla' and 'Strawberry Blonde' offer elegant color combinations and deter pests effectively.

Here's a tip: sow annual flower seeds every two weeks in May to extend blooming throughout spring and into early autumn.

Herbs to Enhance Your Culinary Garden

Planting culinary herbs in May brings immediate rewards, enriching both garden and kitchen. My basil plants, sown in well-draining pots in mid-May, provide fresh pesto all summer long.

  • Dill—Sow dill directly into soil now for summer pickling; its feathery fronds add depth to dishes.
  • Cilantro—Quick to bolt in summer heat, so successive sowing every two weeks keeps me in fresh supply.
  • Mint and Oregano—Best contained in pots to prevent garden invasions. Planted now, they'll be ready for mojitos and sauces soon enough.

Perennials Worth Adding to Your Garden in May

For lasting beauty, plant hardy perennials now. They'll put down solid roots through warmer months, ensuring they withstand winter and return vibrantly each spring.

  • Echinacea (Coneflower)—Pollinators like bees and butterflies adore it. It's drought-tolerant and blooms generously.
  • Salvia—Deep purple-blue flowers that add striking vertical elements. Perfectly suited to sunny spots.
  • Hostas—My go-to for shaded areas. Planted now, they'll unfurl lush leaves quickly and reward you with texture and tranquility.
"Planting perennials in spring allows their root systems to establish firmly, dramatically improving resilience and long-term garden health."

Quick Tips for May Planting Success

  1. Water Wisely: Newly planted seeds and transplants appreciate consistent watering. Aim for moist but never waterlogged soil.
  2. Mulch Matters: To retain moisture and suppress weeds, use an organic mulch such as straw or shredded leaves, applying a 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) layer.
  3. Watch the Weather: Keep an eye on late frost forecasts and be ready to protect sensitive plants overnight, just in case.

May is a fantastic month to get your hands dirty. Begin your planting adventures now, and soon enough, you'll reap the visual and culinary rewards that only a thriving, vibrant garden can provide.

Want smarter plant choices? 🪴

We’ll send you weekly recommendations tailored to your region and growing season. Just answer a few quick questions to get your personalized list.
Find My Best Plants

Frequently Asked Questions about May Planting

Which flowers thrive when planted in May?

Sunflowers, cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, and nasturtiums flourish when planted in May. These annual blooms germinate quickly in the warm soil, rewarding gardeners with vibrant colors as spring transitions into summer.

Are there vegetables suitable for May planting?

Yes, May presents an ideal opportunity to sow warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, and beans. Ground temperatures consistently above 60°F (15°C) encourage optimal seedling growth and strong roots.

What herbs perform best planted in May?

Consider planting herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, chives, and oregano in May. These herbs appreciate moderate temperatures, ample sunlight, and moist soil conditions typical of late spring.

How often should newly planted May seedlings be watered?

Consistent watering is key during initial establishment. Check soil moisture daily and water thoroughly when the top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry. Aim for deeper watering twice weekly rather than shallow daily watering to encourage deep root growth.

Can bulbs still be planted effectively in May?

While many bulbs benefit from fall planting, summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias, lilies, gladiolus, and begonias can be successfully planted in May. Choose locations with well-draining soil and full to partial sun for best results.

What should gardeners consider regarding frost risks in May?

Pay careful attention to local frost dates. Regions with late spring frosts require protective measures like row covers or cold frames. Monitor forecasts closely and protect tender seedlings whenever temperatures approach freezing (32°F or 0°C).

Knowing exactly what to plant in May sets the stage for a garden bursting with color, aroma, and flavor. Through carefully timed planting—bold dahlias, sweet peas, vibrant zinnias, and fresh herbs—you tap into May's generosity. This month offers a chance to sow the seeds of your garden's personality and style. There's satisfaction in the simplicity of planting now and savoring later. So roll up your sleeves, trust your instincts, and let each planting in May reward you richly through spring and beyond.

The Homesteader's Take: Maximizing May Planting for Year-round Self-sufficiency

Strategic Crop Choices

  • Root Cellar Staples: Plant carrots, potatoes, beets, and onions for long-term winter storage, ensuring reliable harvests beyond the growing season.
  • Year-Round Nutrition: Sow nutrient-rich leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard; these grow quickly and support steady harvests through successive planting.
  • Dry Storage Beans: Start bush and pole beans early; beans harvested and dried provide shelf-stable protein and fiber through colder months.

Companion Planting Benefits

  • Natural Pest Management: Grow marigolds, nasturtiums, and calendula alongside vegetables to repel pests organically without chemicals.
  • Yield Enhancement: Combine sweet corn with squash and beans ("Three Sisters" planting), improving soil health, yields, and vertical growing space.

May Soil Improvement Methods

  • Cover Cropping: Sow buckwheat and clover in unused garden areas to suppress weeds, fix nitrogen, and boost soil health for later crops.
  • Mulching Strategies: Spread straw or wood chip mulch to retain moisture, maintain soil temperature (ideally between 60-70°F / 15-21°C), and minimize weeding labor.

Food Preservation Planning

  • Timing Harvests: Schedule diverse maturation cycles to distribute preservation workload, enabling uninterrupted food processing and storage preparation.
  • Drying Herbs: Plant basil, oregano, sage, and thyme abundantly in May; harvest and air-dry herbs to supply flavoring and medicinal resources year-round.

Self-sufficient Pollinator Support

  • Attract Beneficial Insects: Incorporate flowering herbs such as lavender, thyme, and dill to attract pollinators, increasing vegetable garden productivity by up to 30%.
  • Bee-friendly Practices: Avoid disturbing soil excessively; maintain undisturbed patches for ground-nesting bees to naturally enhance pollination.

Find out which plants will thrive in your garden!

Answer a few fun questions and get custom plant recommendations perfect for your space. Let’s grow something amazing together!