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Zone 6A — May

What to Plant in May in Zone 6A

May in Zone 6A: 0 crops to start indoors, 483 to plant or direct sow outside, and 79 entering harvest window. Last frost averages April 29. Reference city: Columbus, OH.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
0 Start Indoors
483 Plant Outside
79 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

Nothing to start seeds indoors in May for Zone 6A.
Next window: January — 3 varieties, including Green Onion, King Richard Leek, Leek.

Plant Outside in May

Plant Type Action Target Date Harvest Window
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Adirondack Blue Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 1
Aji Amarillo Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Aji Dulce Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Alaska Early Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 2
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Aug 14
All Sweet Watermelon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 16
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20
American Purple Top Rutabaga root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
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 Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 24
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 11
Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1
Autumn King Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 25
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 9
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Banana Melon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11
Banana Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 31
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
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 1
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 May 31 – Jun 5
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 5 – Jun 15
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 Direct Sow 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 Eggplant 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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11
Black From Tula Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 6
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Black Pearl Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17
Black Salsify root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Perennial — see plant page
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 21 – Aug 31
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 3
Blue Lake Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 11 – Jul 20
Boltardy Beets root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow 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
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 25
Broccolini brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 12
Brussels Sprouts brassica Transplant May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 31
Bull's Blood Beets root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 9
Bush Pickle Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 28
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 11
Calendula flower Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 12
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow 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
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 21
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5
Caserta Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10
Casper Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 27
Cayenne Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 6
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 24
Chadwick's Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 11
Champion Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 May 31 – Jun 5
Chantenay Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15
Chayote squash vegetable Plant Out May 13 Sep 10 – Oct 10
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 30 – Aug 6
Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10 – Aug 4
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 May 31
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Chinese 5-Color Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20
Chioggia Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Aug 1
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20 – Aug 4
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 29 – Aug 4
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 29
Cinnamon Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 25
Clasping Coneflower flower Direct Sow May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 14
Classic Cumin herb Direct Sow May 6 Aug 14 – Sep 3
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 25 – Jul 30
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 16
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jul 3
Common Sage herb Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 16
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
Cosmos flower Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 11
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 Jul 22 – Jul 30
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Crosby's Egyptian Beets root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Crosne tubers root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 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
Cylindra Beets root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5
Danvers Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 25
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jun 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 Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 21
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 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
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable Direct Sow May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Early White Bush Scallop Pattypan Squash squash Transplant May 13 Jun 29 – Jul 7
Early Wonder Beets root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 3 – Jun 7
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
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Fortex Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 May 27
French Fingerling Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 7
French Marigold flower Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 12
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 16
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Golden Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10
Golden Celery vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 30 – Aug 9
Golden Detroit Beets root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Golden Globe Turnips root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 25
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Goldrush Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 25 – Sep 3
Greek Basil herb Transplant May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 20
Greek Oregano herb Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Green Arrow Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 15
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 21
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 Direct Sow May 6 Aug 24
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jul 30
Green Purslane vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 10 – Jun 25
Green shiso leaves herb Transplant May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 19
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
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 5
Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe melon Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Harris Model Parsnips root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 29 – Sep 3
Harvester Bush Bean legume Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 21
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 14
Henderson Bush Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 6 – Jul 15
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 20
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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 6
Honey Bee Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 21
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 Direct Sow May 6 Aug 9
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 28 – Aug 4
Jade Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Japanese Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 17
Jaune Flamme Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Jet Star Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 24
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Aug 8 – Aug 18
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Jubilee Watermelon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 16
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
Kennebec Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 24 – Sep 18
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10
King Arthur Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 18
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Aug 2 – Aug 9
Kuroda Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15
Landreth Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 1
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25
Lemon Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 22
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
Little Fingers Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30
Little Marvel Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 8
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 22
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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Lunar White Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 13 – Jul 20
Mammoth Sandwich Island Salsify root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Sep 3
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 18
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 Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jul 5
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 22
Minowase Daikon Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 20 – Jun 30
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 21
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 21
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 1
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 Direct Sow 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
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 10
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 11
Nopales pads vegetable Plant Out May 13 Perennial — see plant page
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Sep 10
Nutri-Red Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6 – Aug 21
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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5
Oregon Spring Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 10 – Jul 22
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 13
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 29 – Sep 8
Padron Peppers pepper Transplant May 20 Jul 19
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Paris Market Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Direct Sow 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
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 Jul 27 – Aug 6
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 14 – Aug 24
Pink Delicious Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 5
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6
Poblano Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 17
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Poona Kheera Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 27
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 3 – Jul 7
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 Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 20
Purple Haze Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 18
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 3 – Jun 5
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 21
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 30
Purple Top White Globe Turnip root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 14 – Sep 3
Rainbow Corn vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Aug 19 – Aug 29
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable Direct Sow May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 12
Red Cabbage brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 21
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 1
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow 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 Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 16 – Sep 10
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 Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 13
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Transplant May 6 Oct 3 – Oct 8 (before frost)
Rosemary herb Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jun 27
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 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
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 Direct Sow 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
Snow White Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 20
Soapwort flower Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Solar Yellow Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15 – Jul 20
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 10
Spaghetti Squash squash Transplant May 13 Aug 9 – Aug 21
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 May 31 – Jun 5
Spicy Globe Basil herb Transplant May 13 Jul 22
St. Valery Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15
Stevia herb Transplant May 13 Perennial — see plant page
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 10
Stupice Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 7 – Jul 22
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 1
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash Transplant May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 31
Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 15
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 13 Jun 27 – Jul 12
Summer Savory herb Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Direct Sow 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 Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 15
Suyo Long Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Jul 10
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Jul 17
Sweet Alyssum flower Transplant May 13 Jun 22 – Jul 7
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
Table Queen Acorn Squash squash Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 21
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery vegetable Transplant May 13 Aug 21 – Sep 20
Tasty Jade Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 29
Tavera Filet Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 29
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 13
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Transplant May 6 Aug 4 – Aug 19
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Tendersweet Carrots root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jul 15
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Direct Sow May 13 Aug 11 – Aug 16
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 13 – Jul 24
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 10 – Jul 20
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 Direct Sow May 13 Aug 6
Tomatillo vegetable Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 6
Tongue of Fire Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 5 – Aug 9
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jun 25 – Jun 30
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 5 – Jun 20
Tri-X 313 Seedless Watermelon melon Transplant May 13 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Sep 10
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Transplant May 6 Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Direct Sow 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
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Direct Sow 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
Vietnamese Coriander herb Plant Out May 6 Perennial — see plant page
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Aug 1 – Aug 11
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Transplant May 13 Jul 27 – Aug 11
Waltham Butternut Squash squash Transplant May 13 Aug 21 – Sep 10
Wando Pea legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 8 – Jul 13
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 Direct Sow May 6 Jul 30
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 10
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 13 Jul 11 – Jul 22
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Transplant May 13 Jul 22 – Jul 27
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Aug 14
White Detroit Beets root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 30 – Jul 5
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 6 Jul 20 – Jul 25
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 6 Jun 5
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 6 Jul 30
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow 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 Transplant May 13 Jul 2 – Jul 12
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 Jul 31
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 15 – Aug 4
Zinnia flower Transplant May 13 Jul 12 – Aug 11

Harvest in May

Plant Type Planted / Sown Harvest Window
America Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 15 – May 27
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Apr 29 May 6 – May 11
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 18
Blonde de Paris Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 24
Blue Curled Scotch Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Bok Choy lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – Jun 1
Broadleaf Classic Endive lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Buckwheat cover crop Apr 29 May 29 – Jun 13
Burgundy Boston Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 27
Buttercrunch Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 18 – May 27
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 6
Canary Yellow Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Catalogna Chicory lettuce Apr 2 May 27
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
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Apr 15 May 30 – Jun 2
Dukat Dill herb Apr 15 May 25 – Jun 4
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Dwarf Siberian Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 27
Endive / Escarole lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – Jun 6
Fenugreek herb Apr 15 May 20 – Jun 4
Florida Broadleaf Mustard lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Giant Red Mustard lettuce Apr 2 May 17
Green Ice Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 17
Green Mountain Celtuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22
Green Wave Mustard lettuce Apr 2 May 17
Hot Pink Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Kagraner Sommer Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 30
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
Little Gem Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 28
Lollo Bionda Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Lollo Rossa Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 25 – May 28
Magenta Sunset Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Mammoth Dill herb Apr 15 May 30 – Jun 19
Marvel of Four Seasons Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – Jun 1
Matador Viking Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 20
Mizuna lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Monstrueux de Viroflay Spinach 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 Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 18 – May 22
Old Fashion Mustard lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 22
Orange Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
Premier Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Rainbow Mix Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Apr 29 May 9 – May 14
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Apr 15 May 30 – Jun 24
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 27
Red Orach lettuce Apr 2 May 17
Red Russian Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 11
Ruby Red Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Salad Bowl Green Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 21 – May 22
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 27
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Apr 29 May 27 – Jun 8
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Apr 29 May 7 – May 13
Summer Bibb Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 1
Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 1
Tango Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 18
Tendergreen Mustard lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Tom Thumb Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – Jun 11
Vates Kale lettuce Apr 2 May 22 – May 27
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 May 27 – Jun 6
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 May 27
White Boston Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 12 – May 22
Winner Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 May 17 – May 22
Winter Density Lettuce lettuce Apr 2 May 26 – Jun 1
Winter Giant Spinach lettuce Apr 2 May 17 – May 22
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable May 6 May 31 – Jun 5
Champion Radishes root vegetable May 6 May 31 – Jun 5
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable May 6 May 31
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable May 6 May 27
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable May 6 May 31 – Jun 5

Key Tasks for May in Zone 6A

  1. 1 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.
  2. 2 Direct sow seeds at the recommended depth and spacing. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination is complete.
  3. 3 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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