May is the main warm-season planting month for many northern gardens, while southern gardens shift toward heat-tolerant production. Your frost date and USDA zone still matter, especially where spring nights remain cool.

Start indoors in May

Start a final small batch of cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, or melons indoors only if you will transplant them within a few weeks. For a fall harvest in warmer zones, begin broccoli, cabbage, or cauliflower late in the month only if their timing fits local heat and transplant conditions.

Plant outdoors: cool & northern regions (zones 3–6)

In zones 3 to 6, transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and basil after frost risk has passed and nights are suitable, then sow beans, corn, cucumbers, squash, and melons into warm soil. Continue small sowings of lettuce, carrots, beets, and herbs for succession harvests.

Plant outdoors: warm & southern regions (zones 7–10)

In zones 7 to 10, plant heat-loving vegetables such as okra, southern peas, sweet potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and yardlong beans as weather warms. Continue succession plantings of beans, cucumbers, and squash where summer heat and pests have not yet become limiting.

Garden tasks for May

Set cages, stakes, or trellises at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later. Mulch beds, check irrigation coverage, and scout young plants for cutworms, flea beetles, aphids, and transplant stress.

Regional guidance for US home gardens; always adjust to your own last and first frost dates. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.