What To Plant In May For An Epic And Productive Garden | 21 Yummy Veggies And Herbs!

As May unfolds, the garden beckons and waits for planting, nurturing, and reaping. But what crops should you plant in May for the best spring and summer yield? Here are our suggestions. Let’s delve into the art of May gardening across all growing zones and brainstorm the choicest herbs, vibrant veggies, and perennial delights that transform your green space into a heavenly herb haven and food production powerhouse.

Fresh and colorful garden vegetables in a wicker basket.

Whether you’re a grizzled gardener or an enthusiastic beginner, let’s sow the seeds of inspiration together! 🌿🌻

Sound fun?

Then let’s sow some May seeds.

Shall we?

Our 21 Favorite Veggies And Herbs For May Planting

Here are our favorite crops to grow in May, plus real-world growing tips for various USDA growing zones. Sow these crops confidently as long as the risk of frost has passed!

1. Zucchini

Organic zucchini plants growing and thriving in the garden.

Zucchini is perfect for May because it thrives in warm weather. Sow zucchini seeds in well-drained garden soil with ample sun exposure. Keep the garden soil moist and avoid overwatering. Sow zucchini seeds directly into the ground, about one inch deep.

Mature Height: Varies (Usually around two to three feet).
Days Until Maturity: Around 50 to 60 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil.

As its emerald stripes unfurl, tender and bright zucchini dances on the plate. Sautéed, grilled, or spiralized, it whispers summer’s promise.

2. Beans

Thick and healthy green beans growing in the garden.

Beans are excellent for May gardens. They prefer sunny spots with fertile, well-drained soil. Plant them in rows or clusters about two inches deep. Water the beans consistently to keep the garden soil evenly moist.

Mature Height: Varies. Pole beans can climb up to eight feet. Bush beans are shorter.
Days Until Maturity: 50 to 60 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 3 to 10.
Care Requirements: Provide support for pole beans and regular watering.

In the garden, bean vines stretch skyward, weaving tales of sustenance. Snap and snack them fresh, steam-kissed, or slow-cooked. Each pod cradles a green symphony.

3. Peppers

Fresh red peppers growing and ripening on the garden vine.

Peppers love the warmth of May. They grow best in soil with good drainage and full sunlight. Companion plants like basil, cilantro, and marigolds can help with insect control. Sow your pepper seeds about one-quarter inch deep.

Mature Height: One to three feet.
Days Until Maturity: 60 to 85 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil.

Bold and vibrant, peppers sway in the sun’s embrace. From bell to habanero, they paint our plates with fiery hues. Slice, stuff, or char them. Each bite ignites a flavor carnival.

4. Carrots

Delicious thick and fresh carrots harvested from the organic garden soil.

Carrots thrive in cool weather, making May an ideal time to plant them. They prefer loose, sandy soil. Plant carrot seeds directly in the ground, about one-half-inch deep. Thin seedlings to allow proper spacing.

Mature Height: Varies. Usually around six to twelve inches.
Days Until Maturity: 60 to 80 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 3 to 10.
Care Requirements: Loose soil, consistent moisture.

Beneath the soil’s secret veil, carrots root and thrive. Crunch into their orange whispers, sweet and earth-kissed. They are hidden treasures that nourish both the body and soul.

5. Melons

Two bright orange Oriental melons growing in the garden.

Melons, such as cantaloupe and watermelon, enjoy warm temperatures. Sow your melon seeds in well-drained garden soil with ample sunlight. Provide support for melon vines as they grow. Sow seeds about one inch deep.

Mature Height: Varies. Vining melon plants are short but can spread over 15 feet.
Days Until Maturity: 70 to 100 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, and space for vines.

Sun-ripened melons, plump and heavy, cradle summer’s essence, including the canary’s golden glow, the cantaloupe’s sweet blush, and the watermelon’s juicy laughter. Each slice is a sunbeam captured.

6. Thyme

Beautiful purple thyme flowering in the garden.

When planted in May, thyme has ample time to establish its roots and thrive. You can start harvesting its fragrant leaves in early summer for culinary use. Fresh thyme adds depth and flavor to various dishes, from roasted vegetables to savory sauces.

Mature Height: Six to twelve inches.
Days Until Maturity: Perennial herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 4 to 9.
Care Requirements: Well-drained soil, moderate water.

Thyme tiptoes through the herb garden, trailing whispers of warmth. Pinch its leaves and inhale memories of sun-drenched hills. A fragrant companion, it seasons time itself.

7. Parsley

Green and lush parsley plant growing in the garden.

Parsley is a superb garden herb that grows well in spring. It adds freshness to dishes, and I love growing it in containers or garden beds. Parsley’s delicate flowers also attract bees and pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and pollinating other crops.

Mature Height: Eight to twelve inches.
Days Until Maturity: Biennial herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, moist soil.

Parsley is our favorite verdant confetti for salads and stews. Its curly tendrils dance, whispering tales of freshness. Garnish with abandon. Life’s feast deserves this green ornament.

8. Dill

Cultivating the garden soil around fresh dill plants.

Dill is another excellent May herb that adds flavor to various dishes. From salads and sauces to pickles and fish tartar sauce recipes, its delicate leaves and seeds enhance the taste of many culinary creations. Dill is delicious and nutritious. It’s a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, folate, and manganese.

Mature Height: Two to four feet.
Days Until Maturity: Annual herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil.

Dill, the wispy dreamer, sways in the breeze. Its feathery fronds scent pickles and gravlax. It’s a culinary lullaby that sings of seas and secret recipes.

9. Cucumbers

Ripe and plump cucumbers growing in the garden on a sunny day.

Cucumbers thrive in warm weather. Plant climbing cucumbers in fertile garden soil with good drainage, providing support with trellises or stakes. Sow cucumber seeds about one inch deep. Cucumber blossoms are also irresistible to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them an excellent companion to various garden crops.

Mature Height: Vining plants, up to six feet.
Days Until Maturity: 50 to 70 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Provide trellis support and consistent water.

Crisp cucumbers are cool as moonlight on dew-kissed leaves. Slice them thin and marinate them in memories of summer picnics. Their green whispers echo in every bite.

10. Sweet Corn

Yellow corn growing on a green corn stalk.

Sweet corn loves the heat of May. For better pollination, plant it in blocks rather than single rows. Choose a sunny location with rich soil. Sow seeds about one to two inches deep.

Mature Height: Four to six feet.
Days Until Maturity: 60 to 100 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 3 to 10.
Care Requirements: Plant in blocks for better pollination.

Golden kernels burst forth, sweet promises of warm evenings. Grill them, butter-kissed, or boil them in nostalgia. Each cob cradles sunshine and stories.

11. Basil

Planting fresh basil seedlings in the garden.

Basil is a great companion for peppers and tomatoes. It repels pests and enhances flavor in countless yummy homemade dishes. Ensure that basil grows in well-drained soil with full sun. Sow seeds about one-quarter-inch deep.

Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches.
Days Until Maturity: Annual herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil.

Basil is our fragrant oracle of pesto and caprese dreams. Crush its leaves and inhale sun-soaked Italy. Each sprig whispers secrets of love and sunsets.

12. Beets

Freshly harvested garden beetroots resting in a wooden crate.

Beets grow well in cool weather. They can withstand frost and handle near-freezing temperatures well, making them ideal for planting in early May. Plant them in loose, fertile soil. Sow beet seeds in the garden soil, about one-half inches deep. Thin seedlings as they grow.

Mature Height: 12 to 18 inches.
Days Until Maturity: 50 to 70 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 3 to 10.
Care Requirements: Loose soil, consistent moisture.

Beets are the Earth’s hidden rubies. They pulse beneath the soil. Roast them, their crimson hearts revealed. Each slice tells tales of resilience and sweet earth magic.

13. Eggplants

Fresh and ripe eggplant growing on the small farm.

Eggplants thrive in warm temperatures. Plant them in fertile garden soil with good drainage. Provide support for eggplant stems. Sow seeds about one-quarter-inch deep. The one trick with eggplants is to harvest them at the right time, when young. If left too long on the plant, they can become bitter. By planting in May, you can time your harvest appropriately for the best flavor and tenderness.

Mature Height: Two to four feet.
Days Until Maturity: 70 to 90 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil.

Eggplants are midnight voyagers. They don purple armor, are sliced thick, and grilled to smoky tenderness. Legends say they hold moonlight in their seeds.

14. Oregano

Bright green oregano plant growing in the garden.

Oregano is suitable for planting in May and is also my favorite healthy herb. It teems with antioxidants, which help combat free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are associated with chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Beyond its health benefits, oregano adds a delightful flavor to dishes.

Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches.
Days Until Maturity: Perennial herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 4 to 9.
Care Requirements: Well-drained soil, full sun.

Whether making homemade pizza, pasta sauces, or roasted vegetables, oregano brings warmth and depth. Plus, it pairs well with other garden herbs like basil and thyme.

15. Radishes

Harvested radishes and carrots fresh from the garden.

Radishes are quick-growing and ideal for early spring planting. They grow best under full sunlight and within well-drained soil. They can also tolerate cooler temperatures. You can plant them almost anywhere, like between taller vegetables, around soon-to-finish crops, or even in pots. They’re ready to harvest in as little as three or four weeks.

Mature Height: Varies. Usually around six to twelve inches.
Days Until Maturity: 20 to 30 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 3 to 10.
Care Requirements: Loose soil, consistent moisture.

Radishes, fiery jewels, burst forth from the ground. Their peppery crunch sings of spring’s arrival. Slice them thin, and let their vibrant skins blush.

16. Mint

Beautiful mint leaves growing in the garden.

Mint thrives in spring and early summer. Its refreshing flavor is perfect for teas and recipes. Plant mint in containers or a designated area to prevent it from spreading.

Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches.
Days Until Maturity: Perennial herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, moist soil.

Mint enhances our homestead’s verdant breezes and adorns garden paths. Crush its leaves and sip memories of cool afternoons. It is a remedy for both thirst and time’s fever.

17. Tomatoes

Colorful tomatoes from red to green ripening on the vine.

Tomatoes love warmth and sunlight. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil. You might need to Stake or cage tomato plants for support. Sow seeds about one-quarter inch deep. Tomatoes hate cold weather, so only sow if your risk of frost is long gone.

Mature Height: Varies. Determinate varieties around three to four feet. Indeterminate varieties can grow taller.
Days Until Maturity: 60 to 85 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, staking or caging.

Tomatoes, the lovely sun-kissed globes, dangle from the vine. Slice them and drizzle with olive oil. Their ruby flesh spills stories of warmth. Each seed cradles summer’s promise.

18. Peas

Yummy beans and peas harvested from the backyard garden.

Peas thrive in cool weather. Plant them in fertile garden soil with good drainage and support for pea vines. Sow the seeds about one inch deep. Peas are forgiving and low-maintenance plants. They tolerate less-than-ideal weather and soil conditions, making them perfect for beginners.

Mature Height: Varies. Usually around two to six feet.
Days Until Maturity: 50 to 70 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 3 to 10.
Care Requirements: Provide support (trellis or stakes) and regular water.

Peas, flavorful green pearls, nestle in their pods. Pop them and taste the tender echo of rain-kissed soil. Each pod whispers sweetness in a verdant lullaby.

19. Rosemary

Harvesting rosemary from the herb garden.

Rosemary loves the sun and warmth. It adds a delightful fragrance to your garden and culinary creations. Full sunlight, adequate air circulation, and well-drained soil are essential for rosemary. Plant it in any sunny, sheltered location.

Mature Height: Two to four feet.
Days Until Maturity: Perennial herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Well-drained soil, full sun.

Rosemary is the aromatic sentinel that guards herb beds. Rub its needles and inhale pine-scented memories. A sprig tucked behind the ear is protection against forgetting.

20. Sage

Lovely sage plants thriving in the spring and summer garden.

Sage thrives in warm weather, making it an excellent choice for May. Its aromatic leaves are perfect for flavoring dishes. Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant. You can plant it in your garden or a container.

Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches.
Days Until Maturity: Perennial herb.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil.

Sage is May’s wise elder, and it graces stuffings and stews. Crumble its leaves and taste ancient wisdom. Each gray-green whisper carries the weight of centuries.

21. Pumpkins

A lovely and colorful pumpkin harvest from the garden.

Pumpkins need warmth and space to spread. Plant them in fertile soil with full sun and sow pumpkin seeds about one to two inches deep. Pumpkins are one of the most underrated crops for growing, and some cultivars like Jarrahdale keep for nearly a year.

Mature Height: Varies. They’re usually only a few feet high. But some vining pumpkin plants can spread beyond 20 or 25 feet long!
Days Until Maturity: 90 to 120 days.
Sow Outdoors In Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, and space for vines.

Pumpkins, autumn’s golden chariots, ripen in sun-drenched fields. Carve them and enjoy. Their orange smiles light up October nights. Each seed holds a wish for harvest abundance.

What to plant in May for an epic herb and veggie garden.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading about what to plant in May! I live in New England, where most gardeners celebrate May, as our winters are too long and harsh. May and the warm weather that comes with it are always a relief. So, I can’t wait to get my summer garden going!

What about you?

Will you grow some veggie or herb seeds in May this year?
What crops are you going to grow?
Do you start your seeds indoors? Or outside?
Do you live in a cold growing zone like me? Or are you lucky enough to have warm temperatures all year?
Are there any good crops that I should add to my list? What did I miss?

We hope to hear from you.

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

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