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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Moringa Seeds
160-170 Days to maturity. Moringa oleifera. Moringa Seeds. Non-GMO, Perennial, Deciduous Softwood Tree. Moringa is also known as the Drumstick Tree, Horseradish Tree, and Ben Oil Tree. It is enjoyed...
Pampas Grass Seeds
2nd year maturity. Cortaderia selloana. Pampas Grass Seeds. Non-GMO, Perennial. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Pampas grass is one of the most popular non-flower ornamental plants in the entire world. Seeds mature...
Russian Sage Perovskia Seeds - Blue Steel
2nd Year Maturity. Non-GMO, Heirloom Blue Steel Russian Sage Perovskia Herb Garden Seed from True Leaf Market. Perovskia atriplicifolia. Blue Steel Russian Sage is known for its ornamental benefits as...
Dichondra Seeds - Silver Falls
100 seed package 91-98 days. Silver Falls dichondra seeds promise one of the most hardy, resilient, and spectacular trailing plants the American Southwest has to offer. Silver Falls dichondra matures...
Heuchera Seeds - Purple Palace (Pelleted)
2nd-year maturity. Heuchera sanguinea. Purple Palace Heuchera Seeds. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, Premium Quality Seeds, Perennial. Open Pollinated. Purple Palace, or heuchera seeds, also known as coral bells, grow a vigorous Pacific...
Stipa Seeds - Pony Tails
98-105 Days to maturity. Nassella tenuissima (syn. Stipa tenuissima). Pony Tails Grass Stipa Seeds. Non-GMO, Annual or Perennial. Open Pollinated. Ornamental. Pony Tails Stipa seeds grow one of the most...
Festuca Seeds - Festina (Pelleted)
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Heuchera Seeds - Ruby Bells (Pelleted)
2nd-year maturity. Heuchera sanguinea. Ruby Bells Heuchera Seeds. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, Perennial. Open Pollinated. Ruby Bells heuchera seeds promise one of the most tolerant and versatile perennial grows in any garden....
Heuchera Seeds - Melting Fire (Pelleted)
2nd-year maturity. Heuchera sanguinea. Melting Fire Heuchera Seeds. Non-GMO, open-pollinate. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Melting Fire heuchera seeds are a simple, durable, yet vibrant grow ideal for many temperate and moist...
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