May is the month when the gardening season shifts into high gear across most of the country. In cold-winter zones, the last frost is finally behind us, and it's time to get warm-season crops in the ground. In mild-winter zones, the garden is already humming, and the focus turns to keeping up with rapid spring growth. And in the warmest zones, the race is on to get heat-lovers established before summer temperatures take over. Whatever your zone, May is a month of momentum.
Zones 1-7a: 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.
Zones 7b-9a: May is prime warm-season planting time in mild-winter zones, with soil temperatures rising and growth accelerating. This is the month to get main-season crops established outdoors, keep up with succession sowing, and set up supports before vines and tall plants take off. Watch moisture as days warm, mulch to hold soil moisture, and keep an eye out for the first big flush of pests as the garden hits its stride.
Zones 9b-12: May marks the shift into early summer conditions in the warm-winter zones, and gardens respond fast with rapid growth. Warm-season crops should be planted and growing strongly now, and succession sowing keeps harvests coming even as temperatures climb. Stay ahead of heat stress by mulching, watering consistently, and planting in the coolest part of the day - and in the hottest areas, begin planning for shade cloth and other summer protection.
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Swiss Chard Seeds - Cardinal
Cardinal Swiss Chard Seeds. 75 days to maturity for bunching greens. 45 days to maturity for baby leaf. Can be grown in containers. Can be grown as micro-chard. Beta vulgaris....
Leaf Radish Seeds - Saisai Purple - Hybrid
30 to 40 Days to maturity. Raphanus sativus. Saisai Purple Leaf Radish Seeds. Annual, Hybrid. This red-stemmed leaf radish will stand out in any dish you make with it! Saisai...
Paperwhites Bulbs - 15/16 - Ziva
10 Bulb Bag This is a pre-order item that is expected to ship in Late October to November for fall planting in warm climates, or as houseplants indoors. Other seeds,...
Cucumber Seeds - Morden Early
45-55 Days to Maturity. Cucumis sativus. Morden Early Cucumber Vegetable Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom pickling cucumber. An extra early cucumber well suited to short-season areas. Developed in Manitoba Canada....
Amaryllis Bulbs - 24/26 - Fantastica
1 Bulb Bag This is a pre-order item that is expected to ship in Late October to November for fall planting. Other seeds, supplies, or kits ordered with this product...
Amaryllis Bulbs - 24/26 - Laforest Morton
1 Bulb Bag This is a pre-order item that is expected to ship in Late October to November for fall planting. Other seeds, supplies, or kits ordered with this product...
Amaryllis Bulbs - 24/26 - Maria Goretti
1 Bulb Bag This is a pre-order item that is expected to ship in Late October to November for fall planting. Other seeds, supplies, or kits ordered with this product...
Amaryllis Bulbs - 24/26 - Red Lion
1 Bulb Bag This is a pre-order item that is expected to ship in Late October to November for fall planting. Other seeds, supplies, or kits ordered with this product...
Spinach Seeds - Correnta Hybrid
45 Days to maturity. Spinacia oleracea. Correnta Hybrid Spinach Vegetable Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, hybrid spinach seeds. This variety is known for its excellent heat tolerance, making it a great choice...
Bean Seeds - Bush - French Garden Yellow Fillet
45-55 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. French Garden Yellow Fillet Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, bush, snap, wax bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and...
Orach Seeds - Red (Organic) - Microgreens Seeds
10-14 Days to maturity. Atriplex hortensis ’Red’. Red Orach Microgreen Seeds. Red Orach microgreens are the next up-and-coming superfood. Dense in nutrients and easy to grow, orach is an ancient...
Orach Seeds - Red (Organic)
45 Days to maturity. Atriplex hortensis ’Red’. Organic Red Orach Seeds. Non-GMO, cool season annual. This ancient plant has been used for ages by a variety of cultures and peoples....
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