Planting guide

What to plant in Zone 5 in May

USDA Zone 5 · US Northern Hemisphere May

May is the big planting month in zone 5. The first half finishes the cool-season garden, and the average last frost (early to late May across the zone) opens the warm-season one. Around Memorial Day is the traditional all-clear for tomatoes in the upper Midwest.

Plant now

Broccoli, cabbage, kale transplants (early in the month)

Harden off and plant out; they tolerate the last light frosts.

Lettuce, carrots, beets, chard

Direct-sow early in the month, and again every two weeks for lettuce.

Tomato, pepper and eggplant transplants (after your last frost)

Mid to late May. Peppers and eggplant do best once nights stay above 50°F (10°C), so they can wait until the end of the month.

Bush and pole beans, sweet corn (late month)

Direct-sow once the soil reaches about 60°F (16°C). Sow corn in blocks of at least four short rows for pollination.

Cucumbers, squash and zucchini (late month)

Direct-sow after the last frost, or set out transplants started indoors in late April.

Basil and other tender herbs

Plant out after the last frost; basil blackens at temperatures near freezing.

Timing notes

  • Melons want warmer soil, about 70°F (21°C). In zone 5 that usually means early June, or late May under black plastic.
  • Harden off indoor-grown seedlings for 7-10 days before planting out: a few hours outside at first, building to a full day and night.
  • Look up the average last frost for your own town; the zone number is a winter-minimum band, not a planting date.
Frost dates and a seed-starting schedule for your ZIP code Free calculator from NOAA station records: last spring frost, first fall frost, and what to start each week. ← All planting guides