What to do in the May Garden

May is a time of transformation in the garden. Spring’s promise turns into action as blooms explode, vegetables stretch toward the sun, and gardeners everywhere get their hands dirty. Whether you’re sowing seeds, transplanting starts, or just trying to keep up with the weeds, there’s plenty to do this month.

This checklist will guide you through the most important garden tasks for May—with adjustments for different USDA zones so you can tailor your to-do list to your own climate.

What to Plant in May

May is one of the busiest planting months of the year. In most parts of the U.S., the danger of frost has passed, and it’s time to fill beds, pots, and rows with warm-season vegetables, herbs, and blooms. Take advantage of the warm soil and long days to set your summer garden up for success.

Vegetables

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Beans
• Squash
• Cucumbers
• Corn
• Melons
• Okra
• Sweet potatoes

Herbs

• Basil
• Dill
• Cilantro
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Lemongrass
• Chives

Flowers

• Zinnias
• Marigolds
• Cosmos
• Nasturtiums
• Sunflowers
• Petunias
• Salvia
• Begonias
• Celosia

Perennials & Shrubs

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Salvias
• Coneflowers
• Native wildflowers

Key May Garden Tasks

Your garden is waking up fast in May—and so are the pests, weeds, and watering needs. These core maintenance tasks help keep your garden tidy, productive, and resilient as the season heats up.

Watering

• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong roots
• Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and disease risk
• Inspect irrigation systems for clogs or leaks

Mulching & Feeding

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Feed heavy-feeding crops like corn and tomatoes
• Fertilize containers with slow-release or liquid nutrients

Pest & Disease Watch

• Look for aphids, hornworms, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew
• Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap
• Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings

Flower Care

• Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowers
• Pinch back leggy growth on annuals
• Stake tall or top-heavy flowers

General Maintenance

• Weed regularly before seeds set
• Clean and sharpen your tools
• Repair or adjust supports, trellises, and fencing

Support Pollinators

• Plant nectar-rich flowers like salvia, bee balm, and milkweed
• Provide shallow water dishes with pebbles for bees and butterflies
• Let some herbs like dill and cilantro flower to feed beneficials

Adjusting Your Garden by Zone

No matter where you live, May brings change—but your exact tasks will depend on your USDA Hardiness Zone. Here’s how to adapt your gardening routine by climate:

Zones 3–5 (Cool Climates)

Gardens are just getting started in cooler northern zones. May is your main planting month, but late frosts are still possible.

• Watch for late frosts and keep row covers handy
• Sow cool crops like kale, spinach, lettuce, and peas
• Wait to transplant tender crops until soil is warm

Zones 6–7 (Moderate Climates)

May is go-time in these zones—warm-weather crops are safe to plant and garden chores ramp up quickly.

• Plant warm-season vegetables and herbs
• Begin regular weeding and mulching routines
• Install trellises and supports before plants get large

Zones 8–10 (Warm Climates)

In hot climates, May marks a shift toward summer care. It’s time to protect, harvest, and keep succession planting in motion.

• Finish planting heat-loving crops early in the month
• Provide shade or mulch for tender plants
• Begin harvesting early plantings and sow succession crops

Master Gardener Tip

Don’t just plant—plan.
A quick garden journal, sketch or notebook can make a big difference. Mark what you planted and when, note any pest or disease issues, and track what’s thriving. These small observations help improve every season that follows.

Final Thought

May is the heartbeat of the growing season. Whether you’re sowing seeds for the first time or tending a thriving kitchen garden, this is the month where effort meets abundance. Take a deep breath, enjoy the blooms, and dig in.