May is the main planting kickoff in cold-winter zones, when gardens finally move from starts and prep into full outdoor action. Early May often still favors hardy transplants and direct-sown cool-season crops, while mid-to-late May is when many areas can safely set out warm-season plants as frost risk drops. Keep hardening off seedlings, use row cover if nights run cold, and focus on steady watering and early weed control so young plants establish quickly.

Indoors (fresh harvests):

  • Microgreens: peas, broccoli, sunflowers, arugula
  • Sprouts: alfalfa, broccoli, radish, mung
  • Herbs & greens under lights: chives, parsley, mint

Crops to start indoors in good light: tomato, pepper, eggplant, basil, cucumber, squash, melons, zinnia, marigold

Transplants to move outdoors (harden first): broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, lettuce, onion, parsley, pansies, snapdragons — and by mid-to-late May, tomato, pepper, and eggplant as frost risk drops

Crops that can be directly sown outdoors in May: peas, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, parsnip, dill, cilantro — and after last frost: beans, corn, cucumber, squash, sunflower, nasturtium, sweet peas

Cover crops: oats, field peas, hairy vetch, red clover

Tip: This zone group covers a lot of territory. Nothing replaces talking with experienced gardeners in your area and watching the weather closely.

Use your USDA zone as a guide. Microclimates matter — coastal/urban spots run warmer; high elevation runs colder.

50 100 true //store.trueleafmarket.com/cdn/shop/t/54/assets/review-fallback.json?v=33078429469613971781712858278
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16 Items
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Einkorn Grain Seeds (Organic)Einkorn Grain Seeds (Organic)
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Sprouting Kit - Fully Raw's 12 Best SproutsSprouting Kit - Fully Raw's 12 Best Sprouts
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Sorghum Seeds - Rox Orange Syrup Canesmall size packet type seed packaging for - Sorghum Rox Orange Syrup Cane
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Lentil - Black (Organic) - Sprouting SeedsLentil - Black (Organic) - Sprouting Seeds
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Amaranth Seeds - Polish - Organicsmall size packet type seed packaging for - Amaranth Polish Organic
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Lentil Seeds - Green - OrganicLentil Seeds - Green - Organic
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Lentil Seeds - Red - Organic
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Lentil Seeds - Black (Organic)Lentil Seeds - Black (Organic)
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Wheat Seeds - Yamhillmid size pouch type seed packaging for - Wheat Yamhill
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Sprouting Seed Assortment - 12 Pack - PremeasuredSprouting Seed Assortment - 12 Pack - Premeasured
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Basic Growing For Health Kit - Sprouts, Microgreens, and Wheatgrass
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Pearled Emmer Wheat Farro (Organic) - Bulk GrainsPearled Emmer Wheat Farro (Organic) - Bulk Grains
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Bean Seeds - Bush - Garbanzo (Organic)
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Wheat Seeds - Hard White
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Amaranth Seeds - Red Army
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