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Zone 5A — May

What to Plant in May in Zone 5A

May in Zone 5A: 35 crops to start indoors, 361 to plant or direct sow outside, and 72 entering harvest window. Last frost averages May 7. Reference city: Des Moines, IA.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
35 Start Indoors
361 Plant Outside
72 Harvest
Frost window: Active

This is when frost can still happen in Zone 5A. The last spring frost typically lands on May 7, with a 10% chance of frost as late as May 21. Plan transplants with this window in mind.

See full Zone 5A frost outlook →

Start Indoors in May

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant Outside Harvest Window
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower May 7 May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower May 7 May 14 Jul 13 – Aug 2
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 May 21 – May 26
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable May 7 May 14 Aug 22 – Sep 1
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 25
Chayote squash vegetable May 14 May 14 Sep 11 – Oct 11
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 31 – Aug 7
Crosne tubers root vegetable May 7 May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable May 14 May 21 Jul 15 – Jul 20
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable May 7 May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 11
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable May 7 May 14 Jul 22 – Jul 28
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 28 – Jul 31
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop May 7 May 14 Jul 13 – Aug 12
Jacob's Cattle beans legume May 7 May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable May 7 May 14 Perennial — see plant page
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume May 3 May 10 Aug 6 – Aug 13
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 25 – Jul 28
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop May 7 May 14 Jul 13 – Aug 12
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop May 7 May 14 Jun 28 – Jul 13
Potato onion clusters root vegetable May 7 May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 11
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 May 20 – May 24
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable May 7 May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 13
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Jul 31 – Aug 10
Signet marigold edible flowers flower May 7 May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 18
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 May 22 – May 28
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop May 7 May 14 Jun 28 – Jul 13
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume May 3 May 10 Jul 14 – Jul 24
White clover living mulch cover crop May 7 May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop May 7 May 14 Nov 10 – Dec 20

Plant Outside in May

Plant Type Action Target Date Harvest Window
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Acorn Squash squash Direct Sow May 7 Jul 26 – Aug 15
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Transplant May 7 Perennial — see plant page
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 16 – Aug 15
All Sweet Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 10
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 27 – Aug 7
Anaheim Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 30 – Aug 7
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Anise herb Transplant May 7 Aug 15 – Sep 4
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Transplant May 7 Sep 4
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Aug 2
Banana Melon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5
Banana Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Jul 20 – Jul 30
Basil Herb Mix herb Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 26
Bay Laurel herb Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 20
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 11
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Big Max Pumpkin squash Transplant May 7 Aug 30 – Sep 4
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 22 – Sep 1
Bitter melons vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 12
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Transplant May 11 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Black Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 17 – Jul 28
Black Diamond Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Transplant May 14 May 21 – May 26
Black-Eyed Pea legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 16
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable Transplant May 14 Aug 22 – Sep 1
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 4
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 11
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 1
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Broccolini brassica Transplant May 14 Jul 3 – Jul 23
Brussels Sprouts brassica Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Sep 1
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 5
Butternut Squash squash Transplant May 14 Aug 22 – Sep 11
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 5
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
California Wonder Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Aug 1 – Aug 4
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Cantaloupe melon Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Transplant May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 17 – Sep 11
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 10
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 11
Caserta Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jul 11
Casper Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 23
Cayenne Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 25
Chayote squash vegetable Transplant May 14 Sep 11 – Oct 11
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 31 – Aug 7
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 May 28 – Jun 6
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Chicago Hardy Fig berry Plant Out May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 21
Chioggia Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 11
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Aug 2
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Aug 5
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 27
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Transplant May 7 Aug 25
Cinnamon Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 26
Clasping Coneflower flower Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 15
Classic Cumin herb Transplant May 7 Aug 15 – Sep 4
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 26 – Jul 31
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jun 26
Common Sage herb Transplant May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 10
Contender Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Jun 21 – Jul 1
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 4 – Jul 21
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 26 – Aug 5
Creole Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Crosne tubers root vegetable Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Jul 22 – Jul 30
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Transplant May 21 Jan 16 2027 – Mar 17 2027
Cupid Grape Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Danvers Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 16 – Jul 26
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jul 26
Datil peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 1
Delica kabocha squash squash Transplant May 14 Aug 17 – Sep 1
Delicata Squash squash Direct Sow May 7 Jul 26 – Aug 15
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 1
Dragon Tongue Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable Transplant May 21 Jul 15 – Jul 20
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Edamame legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 21 – Aug 10
Egg Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Transplant May 7 Jun 21 – Jul 1
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 11
English Lavender herb Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Epazote herb Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 11
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 26 – Aug 5
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 6
Fall Rutabagas root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 15
Fava Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 21 – Aug 15
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Sep 11
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 May 28 – Jun 4
Fresno Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 28
Genovese Basil herb Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 10
Ginger root vegetable Transplant May 21 Jan 16 2027 – Mar 17 2027
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Transplant May 7 Jun 21 – Jun 26
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 22 – Jul 28
Golden Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 11
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jul 11
Golden Celery vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 10
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Aug 2
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 6
Greek Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 21
Greek Oregano herb Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Green Cabbage brassica Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Aug 22
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 15
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 25
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jul 31
Green Purslane vegetable Transplant May 7 Jun 11 – Jun 26
Green shiso leaves herb Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Jul 31
Habanero Pepper pepper Transplant May 21 Aug 19 – Sep 18
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Aug 12
Harvester Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 1
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 15
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 15
Heritage Raspberry berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Highbush Blueberries berry Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 1
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 15
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 28
Improved Meyer Lemon berry Plant Out May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 7 Jul 16 – Jul 26
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 21
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 25
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Jade Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 28
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Aug 9 – Aug 19
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Jubilee Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 10
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 12 – Jul 14
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Jul 31
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 18
King Arthur Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Jul 22 – Jul 28
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Transplant May 10 Aug 6 – Aug 13
Landreth Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 1
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jun 21
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 27
Lemon Verbena herb Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass herb Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 26
Licorice Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 26
Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 26
Lime Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 21
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 13
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 28
Luffa gourds vegetable Transplant May 14 Aug 22 – Sep 11
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Jul 15 – Jul 20
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 18
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Marion Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 1
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 14 Jul 11 – Jul 21
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 11
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 15
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 15
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 25 – Jul 28
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 21 – Jul 23
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 11
Nagami Kumquat berry Plant Out May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Nantes Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 8 – Jul 21
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Aug 12
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 6
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 11
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 15
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 27
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 26 – Aug 5
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Transplant May 7 Aug 30 – Sep 9
Padron Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Jul 20 – Jul 25
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15
Parsnip root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Aug 15 – Sep 14
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Patriot Blueberry berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Pattypan Squash squash Direct Sow May 7 Jun 23 – Jul 1
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Transplant May 7 Jul 16 – Jul 31
Pepperoncini Pepper pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 28
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop Transplant May 14 Jun 28 – Jul 13
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 12
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 16 – Jul 26
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15 – Aug 25
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31
Poblano Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 28
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Potato onion clusters root vegetable Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 11
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Jul 31
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 11
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Jul 28
Provider Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 1
Purple Basil herb Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 7
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Aug 22
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Jul 31
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15 – Sep 4
Rainbow Corn vegetable Transplant May 7 Aug 20 – Aug 30
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Transplant May 14 May 20 – May 24
Raspberry Shortcake berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 16
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable Transplant May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 13
Red Cabbage brassica Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Sep 1
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 27
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 28
Red Pontiac Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 25
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 26
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Transplant May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 23
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Roma II Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 29 – Jul 5
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Romanesco brassica Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 22
Romano Pole Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 14
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Transplant May 7 Oct 4 – Oct 5 (before frost)
Rosemary herb Plant Out May 14 Perennial — see plant page
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jun 21
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 1
Rutgers Tomato tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 31 – Aug 10
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Scarlet Runner Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Seascape Strawberry berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Serrano Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Shelling Pea legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 16
Shishito Peppers pepper Transplant May 21 Jul 20 – Jul 25
Signet marigold edible flowers flower Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 18
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 16 – Jul 26
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 29 – Jul 3
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 14 Jul 3 – Jul 13
Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 7 Jun 28 – Jul 16
Soapwort flower Transplant May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 11
Spaghetti Squash squash Direct Sow May 7 Aug 3 – Aug 15
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Transplant May 14 May 22 – May 28
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 6 – Jul 11
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 25
Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 16
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop Transplant May 14 Jun 28 – Jul 13
Summer Savory herb Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 11
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 26 – Aug 10
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 10 – Jul 18
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 10 – Aug 15
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 16
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet Marjoram herb Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Aug 5
Sweet Million Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 18
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 11 – Jul 14
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 31 – Aug 15
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 11
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 1
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Aug 5 – Aug 10
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Sep 11 – Oct 5 (before frost)
Thai Basil herb Transplant May 14 Jul 13 – Jul 18
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Transplant May 10 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 8 – Jul 23
Tiny Tim Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jun 28 – Jul 8
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Transplant May 7 Jul 31
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 1
Top Hat Blueberry berry Plant Out May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Transplant May 7 Jun 6 – Jun 21
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Sep 11
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Transplant May 7 Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Jul 31
Tumbling Tom Red Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 12
Turnip root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 6
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Aug 5
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Jul 31
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 12
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 11
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Transplant May 7 Jul 31
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 11
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 28
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Jul 28
White clover living mulch cover crop Transplant May 14 Perennial — see plant page
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Transplant May 7 Aug 15
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Transplant May 7 Jul 21 – Jul 26
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Transplant May 7 Jul 31
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 7 Jul 1 – Jul 6
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop Transplant May 14 Nov 10 – Dec 20
Yard Long Bean legume Direct Sow May 7 Jul 6 – Aug 5
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash Direct Sow May 7 Jun 26 – Jul 6
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Aug 7 – Aug 12
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Aug 12 – Sep 11
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 7 Jul 26 – Aug 15

Harvest in May

Plant Type Planted / Sown Harvest Window
America lettuce Apr 7 May 20 – Jun 1
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 25 – May 30
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 25 – May 30
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 25 – May 30
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – May 23
Blonde de Paris lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – May 29
Bok Choy lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – Jun 6
Broadleaf Classic lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Buckwheat cover crop Apr 30 May 30 – Jun 14
Burgundy Boston lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 1
Buttercrunch lettuce Apr 7 May 23 – Jun 1
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 11
Canary Yellow lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Champion Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 25 – May 30
Chervil herb Apr 9 May 14 – May 24
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica Apr 7 May 7 – May 27
Daikon Radishes root vegetable Apr 16 May 31 – Jun 10
Dukat Dill herb Apr 16 May 26 – Jun 5
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 May 17 – May 27
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 28 – Jun 1
Endive / Escarole lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – Jun 11
Fenugreek herb Apr 16 May 21 – Jun 5
Florida Broadleaf lettuce Apr 7 May 17 – May 27
Fordhook Giant lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – Jun 1
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 May 17 – May 27
Giant Red lettuce Apr 7 May 22
Green Ice lettuce Apr 7 May 22
Green Wave lettuce Apr 7 May 22
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 30
Hot Pink lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Kagraner Sommer lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 4
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – Jun 1
Little Gem lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 2
Lollo Bionda lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Lollo Rossa lettuce Apr 7 May 30 – Jun 2
Mammoth Dill herb Apr 16 May 31 – Jun 20
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – Jun 6
Matador Viking lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – May 25
Mizuna lettuce Apr 7 May 17 – May 27
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – May 27
Mustard Greens lettuce Apr 7 May 12 – May 27
Noble Giant lettuce Apr 7 May 23 – May 27
Old Fashion lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – May 27
Orange lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – Jun 1
Premier lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 28 – May 30
Rainbow Mix lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Apr 16 May 31 – Jun 25
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – Jun 1
Red Russian Kale lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Salad Bowl Green lettuce Apr 7 May 26 – May 27
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Apr 16 May 26 – Jun 10
Siberian Dwarf lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 1
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Apr 30 May 28 – Jun 9
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 25 – May 30
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Apr 9 May 31 – Jun 4
Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 6
Tango lettuce Apr 7 May 9 – May 17
Tendergreen lettuce Apr 7 May 17 – May 27
Tom Thumb lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 16
Vates lettuce Apr 7 May 27 – Jun 1
White Boston lettuce Apr 7 May 17 – May 27
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 30 – Jun 9
Winner Kohlrabi brassica Apr 7 May 22 – May 27
Winter Density lettuce Apr 7 May 31 – Jun 6
Winter Giant lettuce Apr 7 May 22 – May 27
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 14 May 21 – May 26
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable May 7 May 28 – Jun 6
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable May 7 May 28 – Jun 4
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 14 May 20 – May 24
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 14 May 22 – May 28

Key Tasks for May in Zone 5A

  1. 1 Start 35 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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