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Zone 6A — May

What to Plant in May in Zone 6A

May in Zone 6A: 31 crops to start indoors, 456 to plant or direct sow outside, and 78 entering harvest window. Last frost averages April 29. Reference city: Columbus, OH.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
31 Start Indoors
456 Plant Outside
78 Harvest
Frost window: Active

This is when frost can still happen in Zone 6A. The last spring frost typically lands on April 29, with a 10% chance of frost as late as May 15. Plan transplants with this window in mind.

See full Zone 6A frost outlook →

Start Indoors in May

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant Outside Harvest Window
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 6 May 13 May 20 – May 25
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable May 6 May 13 Aug 21 – Aug 31
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 24
Chayote squash vegetable May 13 May 13 Sep 10 – Oct 10
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 30 – Aug 6
Christmas Lima Bean legume May 2 May 9 Aug 1 – Aug 7
Crosne tubers root vegetable May 6 May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable May 13 May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable May 6 May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 10
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable May 6 May 13 Jul 21 – Jul 27
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 27 – Jul 30
Henderson Bush Lima Bean legume May 2 May 9 Jul 9 – Jul 18
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable May 6 May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Jicama Mexican Yam Bean legume May 6 May 13 Sep 30 – Oct 8 (before frost)
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume May 2 May 9 Aug 5 – Aug 12
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 24 – Jul 27
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop May 6 May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 11
Nopales pads vegetable May 13 May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Potato onion clusters root vegetable May 6 May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 6 May 13 May 19 – May 23
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable May 6 May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 12
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato May 6 May 13 Jul 30 – Aug 9
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 6 May 13 May 21 – May 27
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop May 6 May 13 Jun 27 – Jul 12
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume May 2 May 9 Jul 13 – Jul 23

Plant Outside in May

Plant Type Action Target Date Harvest Window
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
AC Wendy Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Acorn Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 14
Aji Amarillo Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Aji Dulce Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Albion Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 15 – Aug 14
All Sweet Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 9
Allstar Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 26 – Aug 6
Anaheim Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 29 – Aug 6
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Anise herb Transplant May 6 Aug 14 – Sep 3
Anna Russian Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Transplant May 6 Sep 3
Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Banana Melon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4
Banana Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Basil Herb Mix herb Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 25
Bay Laurel herb Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 19
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Beit Alpha Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 10
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Big Beef Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22
Big Bertha Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 29 – Aug 1
Big Boy Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 30
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
Big Max Pumpkin squash Transplant May 6 Aug 29 – Sep 3
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 16
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 21 – Aug 31
Bitter melons vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 11
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Transplant May 10 Jun 24 – Jul 4
Black Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 16 – Jul 27
Black Diamond Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4
Black From Tula Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Transplant May 13 May 20 – May 25
Black Pearl Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17
Black-Eyed Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 15
Blondkopfchen Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 21 – Aug 31
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 3
Blue Lake Pole Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 11 – Jul 20
Bluecrop Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Bluegold Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Blueray Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Broccolini brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 22
Brussels Sprouts brassica Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 31
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 4
Bush Pickle Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 28
Butternut Squash squash Transplant May 13 Aug 21 – Sep 10
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 4
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
California Wonder Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 31 – Aug 3
Calypso Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Aug 4
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Camarosa Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Cantaloupe melon Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 16 – Sep 10
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Carmello Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
Carmen Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 19 – Aug 8
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 9
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Caserta Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jul 10
Casper Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 22
Cayenne Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 16
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 24
Celeste Fig berry Plant Out May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Chadwick's Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 11
Chandler Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Chandler Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Chayote squash vegetable Transplant May 13 Sep 10 – Oct 10
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 30 – Aug 6
Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Aug 4
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 May 27 – Jun 5
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Chicago Hardy Fig berry Plant Out May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Chinese 5-Color Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jul 20
Chioggia Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Aug 1
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Aug 4
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 26
Chocolate Stripes Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1
Christmas Lima Bean legume Transplant May 9 Aug 1 – Aug 7
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Transplant May 6 Aug 24
Cinnamon Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 25
Clasping Coneflower flower Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Classic Cumin herb Transplant May 6 Aug 14 – Sep 3
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 25 – Jul 30
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jun 25
Common Sage herb Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 9
Contender Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 30
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 3 – Jul 20
Costoluto Genovese Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
County Fair Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 27
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Creole Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Crosne tubers root vegetable Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Cuban Oregano herb Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 21 – Jul 29
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Transplant May 20 Jan 15, 2027 – Mar 16, 2027
Cupid Grape Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Daikon Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 30
Danvers Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 25
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jul 25
Dark Opal Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 27
Datil peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Delica kabocha squash squash Transplant May 13 Aug 16 – Aug 31
Delicata Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 14
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Diva Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 3
Dolce Fresca Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 22
Dragon Tongue Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Duke Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable Transplant May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Earliglow Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Edamame legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20 – Aug 9
Egg Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 30
Elliott Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 10
English Lavender herb Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Epazote herb Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jul 5
Fall Rutabagas root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Fava Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20 – Aug 14
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Sep 10
Fish Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Five Star Grape Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 14
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Fort Laramie Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Fortex Pole Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 May 27 – Jun 3
Fresno Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 27
Genovese Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 22
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 9
German Johnson Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6
Ginger root vegetable Transplant May 20 Jan 15, 2027 – Mar 16, 2027
Glacier Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 10
Gochugaru Korean Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 25
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 21 – Jul 27
Golden Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jul 10
Golden Celery vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 9
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Aug 1
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Greek Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 20
Greek Oregano herb Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Green Cabbage brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 21
Green Envy Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 22
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Green Grape Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 30
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 24
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jul 30
Green Purslane vegetable Transplant May 6 Jun 10 – Jun 25
Green shiso leaves herb Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Jul 30
Gypsy Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 24
H-19 Little Leaf Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 2 – Jul 7
Habanero Pepper pepper Transplant May 20 Aug 18 – Sep 17
Harvester Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Hatch Green Chile (NM 6-4) Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 14
Henderson Bush Lima Bean legume Transplant May 9 Jul 9 – Jul 18
Heritage Raspberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Highbush Blueberries berry Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Hillbilly Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Honeoye Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Honey Bee Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Honeydew Melon melon Transplant May 13 Aug 21 – Sep 5
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Improved Meyer Lemon berry Plant Out May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Indigo Rose Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 11
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 25
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 20
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 24
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Jade Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Jaune Flamme Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1
Jersey Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Jet Star Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 24
Jicama Mexican Yam Bean legume Transplant May 13 Sep 30 – Oct 8 (before frost)
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Aug 8 – Aug 18
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Jubilee Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 9
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 11 – Jul 13
Kapoor Tulsi (Holy Basil) herb Transplant May 13 Jul 12
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 30
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 17
King Arthur Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 21 – Jul 27
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Transplant May 9 Aug 5 – Aug 12
Landreth Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jun 20
Legacy Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 26
Lemon Verbena herb Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass herb Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 25
Licorice Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 25
Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 25
Lime Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 20
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 12
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 27
Luffa gourds vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 21 – Sep 10
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 17
Mara des Bois Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Mariachi Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 18 – Jul 27
Marion Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jun 30
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 13 Jul 10 – Jul 20
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Maxibel Filet Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Misty Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 14
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 14
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 24 – Jul 27
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 16
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 20 – Jul 22
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 10
Nagami Kumquat berry Plant Out May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Nantes Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 7 – Jul 20
Napoletano Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 27
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 11
Nopales pads vegetable Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Northblue Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Northland Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
O'Neal Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 26
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Oregon Spring Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 10 – Jul 22
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Transplant May 6 Aug 29 – Sep 8
Padron Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14
Parsnip root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 14 – Sep 13
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Patriot Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Pattypan Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jun 22 – Jun 30
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Transplant May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 30
Pepperoncini Pepper pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Pesto Perpetuo Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 11
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 11
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 25
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 16
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14 – Aug 24
Pink Delicious Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 5
Pink Lemonade Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Pistou Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 12
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30
Poblano Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Poona Kheera Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Potato onion clusters root vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 30
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 27
Provider Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Purple Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 6
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 21
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 30
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14 – Sep 3
Quinault Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Rainbow Corn vegetable Transplant May 6 Aug 19 – Aug 29
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Transplant May 13 May 19 – May 23
Raspberry Shortcake berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 12
Red Cabbage brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 31
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 26
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Red Pontiac Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 24
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Red Robin Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 7
Red Rubin Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 24
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 25
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Roma II Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 28 – Jul 4
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Romanesco brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 21
Romano Pole Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 13
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Transplant May 6 Oct 3 – Oct 8 (before frost)
Rosemary herb Plant Out May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jun 20
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Rutgers Tomato tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Sakura Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 12
Salad Bush Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 2 – Jul 3
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 30 – Aug 9
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Scarlet Runner Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Seascape Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Serrano Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Shelling Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 15
Shishito Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 25
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 28 – Jul 2
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 12
Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 27 – Jul 15
Soapwort flower Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 10
Spaghetti Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 2 – Aug 14
Sparkle Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Transplant May 13 May 21 – May 27
Spicy Globe Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 22
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 10
Stupice Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 24
Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 15
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop Transplant May 13 Jun 27 – Jul 12
Summer Savory herb Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 9
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 9 – Jul 17
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
SunChocola Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 22
Sungella Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 22
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 9 – Aug 14
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 15
Surecrop Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Suyo Long Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 10
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 17
Sweet Marjoram herb Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Aug 4
Sweet Million Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 17
Sweet Success Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 29 – Jul 3
Sweet Treats Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Tasty Jade Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 29
Tavera Filet Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 29
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 13
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jul 10
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 9
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Sep 10 – Oct 8 (before frost)
Thai Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 17
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Transplant May 9 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Tiger Eye Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 22
Tiny Tim Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jun 27 – Jul 7
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Transplant May 6 Jul 30
Tongue of Fire Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Aug 9
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Top Hat Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Toro Blueberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Transplant May 6 Jun 5 – Jun 20
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Sep 10
Tristar Strawberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 30
Tumbling Tom Red Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 11
Turnip root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Aug 4
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 30
Vermont Cranberry Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10 – Aug 9
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 11
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 10
Wautoma Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Transplant May 6 Jul 30
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Transplant May 6 Aug 14
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 25
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Transplant May 6 Jul 30
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Winter Savory herb Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Wisconsin SMR 58 Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 3
Yard Long Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Aug 4
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 11
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 14

Harvest in May

Plant Type Planted / Sown Harvest Window
America lettuce Apr 2 May 15 – May 27
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 24 – May 29
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 24 – May 29
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 24 – May 29
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 18
Blonde de Paris lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 24
Blue Curled Scotch lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Bok Choy lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – Jun 1
Broadleaf Classic lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Buckwheat cover crop Apr 29 May 29 – Jun 13
Burgundy Boston lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 27
Buttercrunch lettuce Apr 2 May 18 – May 27
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 6
Canary Yellow lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Champion Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 24 – May 29
Chervil herb Apr 8 May 13 – May 23
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica Apr 2 May 2 – May 22
Curly Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 6
Dukat Dill herb Apr 15 May 25 – Jun 4
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 27 – May 31
Endive / Escarole lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – Jun 6
Fenugreek herb Apr 15 May 20 – Jun 4
Florida Broadleaf lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Fordhook Giant lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Giant Red lettuce Apr 2 May 17
Green Ice lettuce Apr 2 May 17
Green Wave lettuce Apr 2 May 17
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 29
Hot Pink lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Kagraner Sommer lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 30
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
Little Gem lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 28
Lollo Bionda lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Lollo Rossa lettuce Apr 2 May 25 – May 28
Magenta Sunset lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Mammoth Dill herb Apr 15 May 30 – Jun 19
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – Jun 1
Matador Viking lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 20
Mizuna lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 22
Mustard Greens lettuce Apr 2 May 7 – May 22
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Noble Giant lettuce Apr 2 May 18 – May 22
Old Fashion lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 22
Orange lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
Premier lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 27 – May 29
Rainbow Mix lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Apr 15 May 30 – Jun 24
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
Red Russian Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 11
Ruby Red lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Salad Bowl Green lettuce Apr 2 May 21 – May 22
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Apr 15 May 25 – Jun 9
Siberian Dwarf lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 27
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Apr 29 May 27 – Jun 8
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 24 – May 29
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Apr 8 May 30 – Jun 3
Summer Bibb lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Tango lettuce Apr 2 May 4 – May 12
Tendergreen lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Tom Thumb lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 11
Vates Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 27
White Boston lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Apr 29 May 29 – Jun 8
Winner Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 May 17 – May 22
Winter Density lettuce Apr 2 May 26 – Jun 1
Winter Giant lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 22
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 13 May 20 – May 25
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable May 6 May 27 – Jun 5
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable May 6 May 27 – Jun 3
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 13 May 19 – May 23
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 13 May 21 – May 27

Key Tasks for May in Zone 6A

  1. 1 Start 31 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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April May in Zone 6A June

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