“May is one of the most rewarding times to garden because the soil is warm, the days are longer and the risk of frost has passed in many regions,” says Elin Harryson, plant expert for Planta with a background in plant protection, biological control and years of hands-on experience with houseplants.
Longer daylight hours boost photosynthesis, leading to faster growth and stronger plants.
With these prime planting conditions, you may be wondering what you should plant this May. Ahead, our expert shares the 10 plants you should start growing in May.
1. Marigolds
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Since marigolds thrive in warm soil, as Harryson says, May is an ideal time to plant them. She adds that these annuals have a long blooming season that runs May through October and will provide color and beauty to the landscaping the entire time. She recommends sowing marigolds in full sun and deadhead them regularly to encourage continued blooming.
2. Zinnias
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With their bursts of color and cheerful appearance, zinnias are the perfect spring flower. Harryson explains that zinnias are fast-growing annuals that love heat and mature quickly from seed. “They are a favorite of pollinators, make excellent cut flowers and will continue blooming until the first frost,” she says, adding that they enjoy full sun in an area with good airflow.
3. Sunflowers
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Harryson says that sunflowers require warm soil to germinate and will grow quickly in sunny conditions, and those are elements that prevail in May. “They bring joy to the landscape with their bright blooms, and are a powerhouse plant for native bees, butterflies and other pollinators,” she says. “They also provide seeds for birds and other small wildlife.” Harryson recommends planting sunflowers in full sun with adequate spacing.
4. Cosmos
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In kaleidoscopic shades of pink, magenta, white, red, yellow and orange, cosmos are beautiful to behold, and you can’t beat that they’re heat-tolerant and easy to grow, as Harryson says. Planting them in May means that you’ll enjoy them as a summertime flower, since they bloom from July to October. “Plant in full sun and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce blooms,” Harryson says.
5. Basil
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Now that the balmy temperatures of May have arrived, it’s time to plant basil, which Harryson calls a “warm-weather herb that struggles in cool conditions and thrives in heat.” She adds that basil matures quickly into a bushy form that will provide enough leaves for making pesto and topping other snacks or dishes. Be sure to plant your basil in full sun with plenty of space.
6. Tomatoes
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“Tomatoes require warm soil and mild nights to establish successfully,” Harryson says, making May a great time to plant them. For care, Harryson recommends that you plant them deeply, set up a support system for them early and plant an extra tomato plant near the compost or in the far corner of the yard to keep wildlife (such as squirrels) out of the garden and provide a spot to relocate tomato hornworms, which mature into hummingbird moths.
7. Peppers
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“Peppers are heat-loving plants that establish best once temperatures are consistently warm,” Harryson says. She says that you can plant peppers in full sun, but be sure to avoid overwatering them, since they are fairly drought-tolerant. And be patient as they take time to establish.
8. Cucumbers
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Plan to add cucumbers to your garden in May, since cucumbers “can germinate quickly and grow rapidly in warm soil, and make a great snack,” Harryson says, adding that you should provide a trellis for support and harvest them regularly.
9. Okra
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“Okra thrives in hot temperatures and will grow vigorously,” Harryson says. “Planting in May will give roots time to establish before the heat sets in. Grow okra with peppers for daily harvests that can be air-fried together as a quick snack.” To care for okra, Harryson suggests planting it in full sun in well-drained soil with adequate spacing for proper air flow.
10. Eggplant
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