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Zone 3B — May

What to Plant in May in Zone 3B

May in Zone 3B: 16 crops to start indoors, 419 to plant or direct sow outside, and 3 entering harvest window. Last frost averages May 18. Reference city: International Falls, MN.
Updated August 12, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
16 Start Indoors
419 Plant Outside
3 Harvest
Frost window: Active

This is when frost can still happen in Zone 3B. The last spring frost typically lands on May 18, with a 10% chance of frost as late as June 1. Plan transplants with this window in mind.

See full Zone 3B frost outlook

Start Indoors in May

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant Outside Harvest Window
Black Beauty Zucchini squash May 1 May 29 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Bitter melons vegetable May 4 Jun 1 Aug 15 – Aug 30
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon May 4 Jun 1 Aug 20 – Aug 30
Delica Kabocha Squash squash May 4 Jun 1 Sep 4 – Sep 19
Delicata Squash squash May 4 Jun 1 Aug 20 – Sep 9
Early White Bush Scallop Pattypan Squash squash May 4 Jun 1 Jul 18 – Jul 26
Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe melon May 4 Jun 1 Aug 20 – Aug 30
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash May 4 Jun 1 Aug 30 – Sep 19
Lemon Cucumber cucumber May 11 Jun 1 Jul 31 – Aug 10
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber May 4 Jun 1 Jul 29 – Aug 8
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber May 11 Jun 1 Jul 21 – Jul 29
Spaghetti Squash squash May 4 Jun 1 Aug 28 – Sep 9
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon May 4 Jun 1 Aug 15 – Aug 20
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash May 4 Jun 1 Aug 30 – Sep 19
Table Queen Acorn Squash squash May 4 Jun 1 Aug 20 – Sep 9
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash May 4 Jun 1 Jul 21 – Jul 31

Plant Outside in May

Plant Type Action Target Date Harvest Window
AC Wendy Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Adams Elderberry berry Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Adirondack Blue Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 20
Alaska Early Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 21
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 22
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Transplant May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 11 Perennial — see plant page
All Season Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 13 – Jul 23
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8
All Year Round Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 23 – Aug 1
Allstar Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
America Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 2 – Jul 14
American Purple Top Rutabaga root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 18 – Sep 2
Angelica herb Transplant May 18 Aug 6 – Aug 16
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Astro Arugula lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 10 – Jun 29
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Aug 16
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 28
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry Plant Out May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 2 – Jul 17
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Aug 6
Basil Herb Mix herb Transplant May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 13
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 23 – Sep 7
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 20
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 19 – Jun 24
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 24 – Jul 4
Bee Balm flower Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Beit Alpha Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 29
Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Transplant May 29 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Plant Out May 18 May 25 – May 30
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 5
Black-Eyed Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 3
Black-Eyed Susan flower Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Blazing Star Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Blonde de Paris Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 11
Blue Curled Scotch Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Blue Flax Flowers flower Direct Sow May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 22
Blue Lake Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 30 – Aug 8
Bluecrop Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Bluegold Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Blueray Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Bok Choy lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 19
Borage flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Aug 1
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Bouquet Dill herb Direct Sow May 4 Jun 23 – Jul 8
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 13
Broadleaf Classic Endive lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Broadleaf Full Heart Batavian Endive lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Aug 13 – Aug 18
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Perennial — see plant page
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Aug 2
Brunswick Lowbush Blueberry berry Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Buckwheat cover crop Direct Sow May 18 Jun 17 – Jul 2
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 28
Burgundy Boston Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Bush Pickle Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 17
Buttercrunch Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 5 – Jul 14
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 24
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8
California Bluebell flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 22
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Calypso Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 23
Calypso Cilantro herb Direct Sow May 18 Jul 7 – Jul 12
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Canary Yellow Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Carentan Leeks allium Transplant May 4 Aug 2 – Aug 22
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24
Caserta Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29
Catalogna Chicory lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14
Catmint herb Transplant May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Catnip Herb herb Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Champion Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 19 – Jun 24
Chandler Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 23
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 19
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jun 19 – Jul 9
Chinese Forget-Me-Not Flowers flower Direct Sow May 4 Jul 8 – Jul 28
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Aug 8
Chioggia Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19
Chives herb Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Christmas Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 17 – Aug 23
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 17
Cinnamon Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 13
Clasping Coneflower flower Direct Sow May 25 Aug 18 – Sep 2
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 25 Aug 13 – Aug 18
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 22
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Direct Sow May 11 Perennial — see plant page
Contender Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 22 – Aug 8
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Aug 1 – Aug 16
County Fair Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 16
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Transplant May 18 Jul 17 – Aug 1
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 25 Aug 13 – Aug 23
Crimson Clover cover crop Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Aug 16
Crisphead Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 27 – Aug 3
Curly Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Aug 12 – Aug 22
Danvers Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 13
Dark Green Romaine Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Transplant May 4 Jun 18 – Jun 21
Dill herb Direct Sow May 18 Jun 27 – Jul 12
Diva Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 22
Dragon Tongue Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Drumhead Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Dukat Dill herb Direct Sow May 4 Jun 13 – Jun 23
Duke Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 9
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 7 – Jul 17
Dwarf Siberian Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Earliglow Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 22 – Jun 26
Echinacea flower Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Edamame legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 28
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Elliott Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 22
Endive / Escarole lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 24
Epazote herb Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24
Evergreen Parsley herb Direct Sow May 4 Jul 13 – Jul 28
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Direct Sow May 11 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Fava Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 8 – Sep 2
Fenugreek herb Direct Sow May 4 Jun 8 – Jun 23
Florida Broadleaf Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 9
Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Fort Laramie Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Fortex Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 15
French Fingerling Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 26
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 9
French Tarragon herb Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Garlic Chives herb Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 29 – Aug 13
German Chamomile herb Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Transplant May 18 Aug 6 – Aug 21
Giant Musselburgh Leeks allium Transplant May 4 Aug 17
Giant Red Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Aug 6
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 27
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Aug 2
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8
Golden Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 2
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Greek Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 8
Green Arrow Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 3
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 12
Green Ice Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 18
Green Mountain Celtuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9
Green Purslane vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 29 – Jul 14
Green shiso leaves herb Transplant May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 7
Green Wave Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4
H-19 Little Leaf Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 21 – Jul 26
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 24
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Aug 16
Hamburg Rooted Parsley herb Direct Sow May 4 Aug 2 – Aug 22
Harvester Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 23 – Sep 2
Henderson Bush Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 25 – Aug 3
Herb Fennel herb Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Heritage Raspberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24
Honeoye Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Honeycrisp apple trees berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Horseradish vegetable Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Hot Pink Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Iceberg Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 27 – Aug 3
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8 – Jul 13
Imperial Star Artichoke vegetable Transplant May 18 Aug 16 – Aug 26
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Sep 15 – Sep 16 (before frost)
Invicta gooseberry shrubs berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 13
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 8
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 28
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 16 – Aug 23
Jade Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Jersey Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Kagraner Sommer Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 17
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Transplant May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 18
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 21 – Aug 28
Lacinato Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 2 – Jul 17
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Landreth Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Perennial — see plant page
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14
Lemon Balm herb Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 13
Licorice Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 13
Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 13
Lime Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 8
Little Gem Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 15
Little Marvel Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Jul 27
Lollo Bionda Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Lollo Rossa Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 12 – Jul 15
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 10
Lovage Herb herb Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 22 – Jul 27
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Magenta Sunset Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Mammoth Dill herb Direct Sow May 4 Jun 18 – Jul 8
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 1 – Aug 8
Mammoth Sandwich Island Salsify root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Sep 22
Mammoth Sunflower flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 22 – Aug 6
Marion Blackberry berry Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19
Marvel of Four Seasons Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 19
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Matador Viking Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 7
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Maxibel Filet Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Maximilian Sunflowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 4 Jul 3 – Jul 18
Mesclun Mix lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 10 – Jun 19
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Minowase Daikon Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Mizuna lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 9
Monstrueux de Viroflay Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 9
Morris Heading Collard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Aug 3 – Aug 8
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Mugwort herb Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Jul 29
Mustard Greens lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 24 – Jul 9
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Aug 12
Nantes Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 26 – Aug 8
Napa Cabbage brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Nasturtium flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 7 – Jul 22
New England Aster Flowers flower Direct Sow May 11 Perennial — see plant page
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Noble Giant Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 5 – Jul 9
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Aug 16
Northblue Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Northland Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
OG American Flag Leeks allium Transplant May 4 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Old Fashion Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 9
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 27
Orange Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 1
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Transplant May 25 Aug 13 – Aug 23
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Transplant May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Painted Mountain Flour Corn vegetable Direct Sow May 18 Aug 11
Par-Cel Cutting Celery vegetable Plant Out May 18 Aug 6 – Aug 11
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 2
Patriot Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Transplant May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 18
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 7 – Jul 17
Peppermint herb Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Petch Siam Thai Eggplant vegetable Plant Out May 18 Jul 19
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop Direct Sow May 18 Jul 2 – Jul 17
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 13
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 2 – Sep 12
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Aug 16 – Sep 5
Plains Coreopsis flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Poona Kheera Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 18
Premier Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 15
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 22 – Jul 26
Provider Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 22 – Jun 24
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 18
Purple Top White Globe Turnip root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14
Pápalo leaves herb Direct Sow May 18 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Quinault Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Radicchio lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Aug 13
Rainbow Mix Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Plant Out May 18 May 28 – Jun 2
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 4 Jun 18 – Jul 13
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jul 24
Raspberry Shortcake berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Red Currant Tomato tomato Plant Out May 18 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Red Lake currant shrubs berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Red Orach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4
Red Pontiac Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 23 – Sep 12
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Red Romaine Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Red Russian Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 9
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Perennial — see plant page
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 13
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 29
Rhubarb vegetable Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Roma II Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 17 – Jul 23
Romaine Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Romano Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 1
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Jul 16
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Direct Sow May 11 Jun 25 – Jul 10
Ruby Red Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Salad Bowl Green Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 8 – Jul 9
Salad Burnet herb Direct Sow May 11 Perennial — see plant page
Salad Bush Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 21 – Jul 22
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Transplant May 4 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Direct Sow May 4 Jun 28 – Jul 13
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Transplant May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Shelling Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Aug 3
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 14
Signet marigold edible flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 13
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 17 – Jul 21
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Direct Sow May 18 Jun 15 – Jun 27
Smooth Blue Aster Flowers flower Direct Sow May 11 Perennial — see plant page
Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 16 – Aug 3
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8
Soapwort flower Transplant May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Southport Red Globe Onions allium Transplant May 18 Sep 15
Southport White Globe Onions allium Transplant May 18 Sep 15
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Jul 29
Spanish Sweet White Onions allium Transplant May 18 Sep 5 – Sep 15
Sparkle Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 19 – Jun 24
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Transplant May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 27
Spearmint herb Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Plant Out May 18 May 26 – Jun 1
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Jul 29
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19
Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Aug 3
Summer Bibb Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Sep 15 – Sep 16 (before frost)
Summer Savory herb Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 28 – Sep 2
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Aug 3
Surecrop Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Suyo Long Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Jul 29
Sweet Marjoram herb Transplant May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 23
Sweet Success Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 18 – Jul 22
Sweet Woodruff herb Transplant May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 27
Tango Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 5
Tansy herb Transplant May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Tasty Jade Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 18
Tatsoi lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 14 – Jul 4
Tavera Filet Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 18
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 1
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Tendergreen Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 9
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Aug 1 – Aug 21
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 8
Tiger Eye Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 13 – Aug 23
Tom Thumb Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 29
Tongue of Fire Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 28
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Top Hat Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Toro Blueberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 24 – Jul 9
Triple Crown Blackberry berry Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Tristar Strawberry berry Plant Out May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 18
Très Fine Maraîchère Frisée lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19
Tuscany Black Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Aug 3
Vates Collard lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 19 – Aug 3
Vates Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 18
Vermont Cranberry Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 28
Verona Red Chicory lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Aug 13 – Aug 20
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Transplant May 4 Perennial — see plant page
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14
Vietnamese Coriander herb Plant Out May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Transplant May 4 Jul 3 – Jul 13
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 4 Jul 8
Wando Pea legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 29
Wautoma Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 18
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 7 – Jul 17
White Boston Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jun 29 – Jul 9
White clover living mulch cover crop Direct Sow May 18 Perennial — see plant page
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Sep 2
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 13
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Jun 24
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 25 Aug 18
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Winner Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 9
Winter Density Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 13 – Jul 19
Winter Giant Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 20 Jul 4 – Jul 9
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop Direct Sow May 18 Nov 14 – Dec 24
Wisconsin SMR 58 Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 22
Wormwood herb Transplant May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Yard Long Bean legume Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 23
Yarrow flower Plant Out May 18 Perennial — see plant page
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Direct Sow May 18 Jul 12 – Jul 27
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 23

Harvest in May

Plant Type Planted / Sown Harvest Window
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 18 May 25 – May 30
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 18 May 28 – Jun 2
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 18 May 26 – Jun 1

Key Tasks for May in Zone 3B

  1. 1 Start 16 varieties indoors this month under grow lights or in a sunny south-facing window. Use a seed-starting mix and bottom heat (70–75°F) for best germination rates.
  2. 2 Harden off transplants before moving outdoors — set them outside in a sheltered spot for increasing hours over 7–10 days before planting in the ground.
  3. 3 Direct sow seeds at the recommended depth and spacing. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination is complete.
  4. 4 Check soil moisture before watering — stick a finger 2 inches into the soil. Water only when the soil is dry at that depth. Consistent moisture is more important than frequency.
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