What to Plant in May
Vegetables to sow or plant in May in every US region, by crop and by USDA zone
What to plant in May depends on where you garden. Across our 18 US regions, all have vegetables to sow or plant in May, from 4 vegetables in the Desert Southwest to 84 in the Northeast and New England. The first table lists every vegetable for each region and links to the region's May page, which adds herbs, fruit and flowers. Below it, the same month is set out crop by crop and then by USDA hardiness zone. Every list comes from the planting calendars behind our region pages and the Planting Season app.
What to plant in May in each US region
Each region plants on its own calendar, set by its frost dates and summer heat. Not sure which region you are in? Find your region by ZIP code, or check your last and first frost in the Frost Lookup.
| Region | Vegetables to sow or plant in May | Month page |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida USDA zones 9a to 9b | 15 vegetables: Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Amaranth, Brazilian Spinach, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Lima Beans, Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Sorghum, Taro, Turmeric and Yardlong Beans. | May in North Florida 22 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Central Florida USDA zones 9b to 10b | 18 vegetables: Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Amaranth, Brazilian Spinach, Cassava, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Sorghum, Taro, Turmeric, Water Chestnut and Yardlong Beans. Also 2 herbs. | May in Central Florida 39 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| South Florida USDA zones 10a to 11a | 8 vegetables: Sweet Potato, Amaranth, Arrowroot, Cassava, Ginger, Malabar Spinach, Taro and Turmeric. Also 1 herb. | May in South Florida 30 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Gulf South USDA zones 8a to 9b | 17 vegetables: Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Amaranth, Brazilian Spinach, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Sorghum, Taro, Turmeric, Water Chestnut and Yardlong Beans. Also 1 herb. | May in Gulf South 25 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Desert Southwest USDA zones 7a to 10a | 4 vegetables: Okra, Sweet Potato, Amaranth and Malabar Spinach. | May in Desert Southwest 10 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Texas USDA zones 8a to 10a | 17 vegetables: Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Amaranth, Brazilian Spinach, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Sorghum, Taro, Turmeric, Water Chestnut and Yardlong Beans. Also 3 herbs. | May in Texas 27 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Southern California USDA zones 9b to 10b | 38 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arrowroot, Bitter Melon, Brazilian Spinach, Cassava, Chayote, Edamame, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Popcorn, Sorghum, Taro, Tomatillo, Turmeric, Water Chestnut, Winged Beans and Yardlong Beans. Also 11 herbs. | May in Southern California 65 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Mid-South USDA zones 7a to 8b | 38 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arrowroot, Bitter Melon, Brazilian Spinach, Chayote, Edamame, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Popcorn, Scarlet Runner Bean, Sorghum, Taro, Tomatillo, Turmeric, Water Chestnut, Winged Beans and Yardlong Beans. Also 8 herbs. | May in Mid-South 64 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Pacific Northwest USDA zones 6b to 9a | 29 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Celeriac, Celery, Chayote, Edamame, Hamburg Parsley, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Leek, Lima Beans, New Zealand Spinach, Parsnip, Popcorn, Quinoa, Salsify, Scarlet Runner Bean, Scorzonera and Tomatillo. Also 8 herbs. | May in Pacific Northwest 56 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Northeast & New England USDA zones 5a to 7b | 84 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Peas, Snow Peas, Okra, Southern Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Radish, Turnip, Onion, Potato, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arugula, Asparagus, Bitter Melon, Bok Choy, Brazilian Spinach, Broccolini, Brussels Sprouts, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Daikon, Edamame, Endive & Escarole, Fava Beans, Fennel (Herb), Florence Fennel, Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Green Onion, Hamburg Parsley, Horseradish, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, New Zealand Spinach, Parsnip, Peanuts, Popcorn, Quinoa, Radicchio, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Salsify, Scarlet Runner Bean, Scorzonera, Shallot, Sorghum, Sorrel, Sunchoke, Tatsoi, Tomatillo, Watercress and Yardlong Beans. Also 23 herbs. | May in Northeast & New England 160 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Mid-Atlantic USDA zones 6b to 8a | 39 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Bitter Melon, Brazilian Spinach, Celeriac, Celery, Chayote, Edamame, Ginger, Good King Henry, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Popcorn, Scarlet Runner Bean, Sorghum, Taro, Tomatillo, Turmeric, Water Chestnut and Yardlong Beans. Also 9 herbs. | May in Mid-Atlantic 65 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Midwest & Great Lakes USDA zones 5a to 7a | 84 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Peas, Snow Peas, Okra, Southern Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Radish, Turnip, Onion, Potato, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arugula, Asparagus, Bitter Melon, Bok Choy, Brazilian Spinach, Broccolini, Brussels Sprouts, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Daikon, Edamame, Endive & Escarole, Fava Beans, Fennel (Herb), Florence Fennel, Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Green Onion, Hamburg Parsley, Horseradish, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, New Zealand Spinach, Parsnip, Peanuts, Popcorn, Quinoa, Radicchio, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Salsify, Scarlet Runner Bean, Scorzonera, Shallot, Sorghum, Sorrel, Sunchoke, Tatsoi, Tomatillo, Watercress and Yardlong Beans. Also 23 herbs. | May in Midwest & Great Lakes 161 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Upper Midwest & Northern Plains USDA zones 3b to 5a | 82 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Peas, Snow Peas, Okra, Southern Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Radish, Turnip, Onion, Potato, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arugula, Asparagus, Bitter Melon, Bok Choy, Brazilian Spinach, Broccolini, Brussels Sprouts, Chicory, Daikon, Edamame, Endive & Escarole, Fava Beans, Fennel (Herb), Florence Fennel, Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Green Onion, Hamburg Parsley, Horseradish, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, New Zealand Spinach, Parsnip, Peanuts, Popcorn, Quinoa, Radicchio, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Salsify, Scarlet Runner Bean, Scorzonera, Shallot, Sorghum, Sorrel, Sunchoke, Tatsoi, Tomatillo, Watercress and Yardlong Beans. Also 23 herbs. | May in Upper Midwest & Northern Plains 147 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Mountain West USDA zones 5a to 7b | 84 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Peas, Snow Peas, Okra, Southern Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Radish, Turnip, Onion, Potato, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arugula, Asparagus, Bitter Melon, Bok Choy, Brazilian Spinach, Broccolini, Brussels Sprouts, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Daikon, Edamame, Endive & Escarole, Fava Beans, Fennel (Herb), Florence Fennel, Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Green Onion, Hamburg Parsley, Horseradish, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, New Zealand Spinach, Parsnip, Peanuts, Popcorn, Quinoa, Radicchio, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Salsify, Scarlet Runner Bean, Scorzonera, Shallot, Sorghum, Sorrel, Sunchoke, Tatsoi, Tomatillo, Watercress and Yardlong Beans. Also 23 herbs. | May in Mountain West 159 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Southern Plains USDA zones 5b to 7b | 38 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Bitter Melon, Brazilian Spinach, Celeriac, Celery, Chayote, Edamame, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Popcorn, Scarlet Runner Bean, Sorghum, Taro, Tomatillo, Turmeric, Water Chestnut and Yardlong Beans. Also 9 herbs. | May in Southern Plains 64 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Northern California & Central Valley USDA zones 7b to 10a | 37 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arrowroot, Bitter Melon, Brazilian Spinach, Chayote, Edamame, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Popcorn, Sorghum, Taro, Tomatillo, Turmeric, Water Chestnut, Winged Beans and Yardlong Beans. Also 12 herbs. | May in Northern California 88 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Hawaii USDA zones 11b to 12b | 38 vegetables: Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Amaranth, Arrowroot, Bitter Melon, Brazilian Spinach, Cassava, Chayote, Edamame, Ginger, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab), Jicama, Lima Beans, Luffa (Loofah), Malabar Spinach, New Zealand Spinach, Peanuts, Popcorn, Sorghum, Taro, Tomatillo, Turmeric, Water Chestnut, Winged Beans and Yardlong Beans. Also 11 herbs. | May in Hawaii 107 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
| Alaska USDA zones 1b to 7b | 54 vegetables: Peas, Snow Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Beet, Radish, Turnip, Onion, Potato, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Arugula, Asparagus, Bok Choy, Broccolini, Brussels Sprouts, Chicory, Daikon, Endive & Escarole, Fava Beans, Fennel (Herb), Florence Fennel, Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Green Onion, Hamburg Parsley, Horseradish, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, Parsnip, Quinoa, Radicchio, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Salsify, Scorzonera, Shallot, Sorrel, Sunchoke, Tatsoi and Watercress. Also 15 herbs. | May in Alaska 97 crops in all, including fruit and flowers |
Popular vegetables to plant in May, and where
The 36 crops on our regional sowing charts, with the regions where each can be sown or planted in May. Where our data has a crop set out as transplants, the month is a transplanting month. Each crop links to its plant page, which shows the full calendar for any region.
| Crop | Regions where it can be sown or planted in May |
|---|---|
| Tomato | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Bell Pepper | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Chili Pepper | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Eggplant | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Zucchini | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Squash | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Cucumber | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Pumpkin | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Sweet Corn | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Bush Beans | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Peas | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Snow Peas | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Okra | 15 regions: North Florida, Central Florida, Gulf South, Desert Southwest, Texas, Southern California, Mid-South, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Southern Peas | 14 regions: North Florida, Central Florida, Gulf South, Texas, Southern California, Mid-South, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Lettuce | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Spinach | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Swiss Chard | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Kale | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Collard Greens | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Broccoli | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Cabbage | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Cauliflower | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Carrot | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Beet | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Radish | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Turnip | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Onion | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Garlic | None of our 18 regions. |
| Potato | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Sweet Potato | 16 regions: North Florida, Central Florida, South Florida, Gulf South, Desert Southwest, Texas, Southern California, Mid-South, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Basil | 11 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. |
| Cilantro | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Parsley | 5 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West and Alaska. |
| Strawberry | 6 regions: Northeast & New England, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Hawaii and Alaska. |
| Watermelon | 12 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California, Hawaii and Alaska. |
| Cantaloupe | 12 regions: Southern California, Mid-South, Pacific Northwest, Northeast & New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & Great Lakes, Upper Midwest & Northern Plains, Mountain West, Southern Plains, Northern California, Hawaii and Alaska. |
What to plant in May by USDA zone
A USDA hardiness zone is a winter low, not a planting calendar, so one zone can run through regions whose sowing dates are weeks apart. This table lists the regions in each zone, with the number of vegetables each can sow in May and the vegetables that every region in the zone can sow. Each zone page has the full twelve-month calendar for its regions.
| Zone | Regions (vegetables this month) | Vegetables to sow in May |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Alaska (54) | 54 vegetables, including Peas, Snow Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and 44 more. |
| Zone 3b | Upper Midwest & Northern Plains (82) Alaska (54) | 54 vegetables in every region of the zone, including Peas, Snow Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and 44 more. |
| Zone 4a | Upper Midwest & Northern Plains (82) Alaska (54) | 54 vegetables in every region of the zone, including Peas, Snow Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and 44 more. |
| Zone 4b | Upper Midwest & Northern Plains (82) Alaska (54) | 54 vegetables in every region of the zone, including Peas, Snow Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and 44 more. |
| Zone 5a | Northeast & New England (84) Midwest & Great Lakes (84) Upper Midwest & Northern Plains (82) Mountain West (84) Alaska (54) | 54 vegetables in every region of the zone, including Peas, Snow Peas, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and 44 more. |
| Zone 5b | Northeast & New England (84) Midwest & Great Lakes (84) Mountain West (84) Southern Plains (38) Alaska (54) | 2 vegetables in every region of the zone: Watermelon and Cantaloupe. |
| Zone 6a | Northeast & New England (84) Midwest & Great Lakes (84) Mountain West (84) Southern Plains (38) Alaska (54) | 2 vegetables in every region of the zone: Watermelon and Cantaloupe. |
| Zone 6b | Pacific Northwest (29) Northeast & New England (84) Mid-Atlantic (39) Midwest & Great Lakes (84) Mountain West (84) Southern Plains (38) Alaska (54) | 2 vegetables in every region of the zone: Watermelon and Cantaloupe. |
| Zone 7a | Desert Southwest (4) Mid-South (38) Pacific Northwest (29) Northeast & New England (84) Mid-Atlantic (39) Midwest & Great Lakes (84) Mountain West (84) Southern Plains (38) Alaska (54) | No vegetable is in season in every region of this zone this month, so follow your own region's list. |
| Zone 7b | Desert Southwest (4) Mid-South (38) Pacific Northwest (29) Northeast & New England (84) Mid-Atlantic (39) Mountain West (84) Southern Plains (38) Northern California (37) Alaska (54) | No vegetable is in season in every region of this zone this month, so follow your own region's list. |
| Zone 8a | Gulf South (17) Desert Southwest (4) Texas (17) Mid-South (38) Pacific Northwest (29) Mid-Atlantic (39) Northern California (37) | 1 vegetable in every region of the zone: Amaranth. |
| Zone 8b | Gulf South (17) Desert Southwest (4) Texas (17) Mid-South (38) Pacific Northwest (29) Northern California (37) | 1 vegetable in every region of the zone: Amaranth. |
| Zone 9a | North Florida (15) Gulf South (17) Desert Southwest (4) Texas (17) Pacific Northwest (29) Northern California (37) | 1 vegetable in every region of the zone: Amaranth. |
| Zone 9b | North Florida (15) Central Florida (18) Gulf South (17) Desert Southwest (4) Texas (17) Southern California (38) Northern California (37) | 4 vegetables in every region of the zone: Okra, Sweet Potato, Amaranth and Malabar Spinach. |
| Zone 10a | Central Florida (18) South Florida (8) Desert Southwest (4) Texas (17) Southern California (38) Northern California (37) | 3 vegetables in every region of the zone: Sweet Potato, Amaranth and Malabar Spinach. |
| Zone 10b | Central Florida (18) South Florida (8) Southern California (38) | 7 vegetables in every region of the zone: Sweet Potato, Amaranth, Cassava, Ginger, Malabar Spinach, Taro and Turmeric. |
| Zone 11a | South Florida (8) | 8 vegetables: Sweet Potato, Amaranth, Arrowroot, Cassava, Ginger, Malabar Spinach, Taro and Turmeric. |
| Zone 11b | Hawaii (38) | 38 vegetables, including Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Bush Beans and 28 more. |
Frequently asked questions
What vegetables can I plant in May?
It depends on your region. In May our calendars have vegetables to sow or plant in all 18 of our US regions. The most choice is in the Northeast and New England (84), the Midwest (84) and the Mountain West (84). Among popular crops, the widest windows this month are for sweet potato (16 regions), okra (15 regions) and southern peas (14 regions). The table on this page lists every vegetable for each region.
Can I plant tomatoes in May?
Yes, in 11 of our 18 regions: Southern California, the Mid-South, the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast and New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest, the Upper Midwest, the Mountain West, the Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. Everywhere else our calendars have no May planting for tomatoes.
Can I plant sweet potato in May?
Yes, in 16 of our 18 regions: North Florida, Central Florida, South Florida, the Gulf South, the Desert Southwest, Texas, Southern California, the Mid-South, the Northeast and New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest, the Upper Midwest, the Mountain West, the Southern Plains, Northern California and Hawaii. Everywhere else our calendars have no May planting for sweet potato.
How do I find what to plant in May where I live?
Enter your ZIP code in Find My Region to see which of our 18 regions you garden in, then open that region's May page for every crop you can sow, plant or start indoors this month. If you know your USDA zone, the zone table on this page shows the regions in it, but a zone is a winter low, so your region's frost dates decide the timing.
Other months: January · February · March · April · June · July · August · September · October · November · December. For the whole year in one place, see what vegetables to plant now across the US.