What To Plant In May (USDA Zones 3-10): Crops To Sow Before Summer

Planting according to USDA zones can be a fun way to incorporate strategy and planning into your garden.

Before I learned about these zones, I planted whatever I liked, whenever I liked, and, to no surprise, always got random results. 

Since May has already begun, today we’re going to discuss what crops you can sow this month in USDA zones 3 to 10 before summer sets in and hinders your plant growth. Let’s get straight into it, shall we?

Why Is May A Great Time To Plant? (Even If You’re Starting Late)

First and foremost, the most ideal thing about the month of May is that it offers warmer weather, making the soil easier to work with. You get the advantage of longer periods of daylight and quicker-germinating crops.

May is also perfect for succession planting or filling in empty garden space, making it ideal even for beginner gardeners to jump in before summer hits and the heat takes a toll on the overall growth of your plants.

Quick Crops To Plant In May By Category

Leafy Greens (Zones 3-9)

Leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and lettuce are perfect for zone 3-9 gardens. Not only do they grow quickly in as little as 30 days, but they can also be harvested multiple times if you cut only the outer leaves each time. 

The only thing you may want to be careful about in warmer zones is slow bolting, but partial shade can help mitigate that issue as well. 

Root Vegetables (Zones 3-10)

Plant root vegetables like radishes, beets, and baby carrots in zones 3 to 10 around May. These vibrant vegetables are perfect not only for adding color to your garden, but they also take up very little space and grow quickly, allowing for compact growth and more productivity in the garden. 

Beans (Zones 4-10)

Bean varieties like bush and pole beans are great for utilizing vertical space in the garden and making the landscape fuller and more visually appealing. Beans are a warm-season crop, meaning they’ll thrive if sown in May. They’re fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing, and great for enhancing garden productivity. 

Summer Squash & Zucchini (Zones 4-10)

Summer squash and different zucchini varieties germinate quickly in warm soil. They’re super quick to grow and are ready to harvest in 45-60 days. 

The only thing is that these fruits (yes, squash and zucchini are botanically fruits) need more space to grow properly, and a grow bag may be necessary if you’re looking to sow them in a tight space. 

Cucumbers (Zones 4-10) 

When it comes to sowing cucumbers in May, always go for fast-maturing varieties like Bush or Katrina. Cucumbers are perfect for growing on trellises in small gardens and can help utilize small planting spaces more effectively. 

Quick tip: Soak your cucumber seeds in some water overnight for quicker germination results. 

Herbs (Zones 3-10)

Some of the most common herbs, like basil, dill, cilantro, and parsley, are perfect for sowing in May due to the light warmth the month offers. You can either sow them directly or transplant them when conditions turn favorable. 

The good thing is that these herbs are quick to grow and perfect for small containers or balcony gardens due to their small size. 

Flowers That Support Veggies (Zones 3-10)

Flowers like nasturtiums, calendula, and marigolds are ideal for killing two birds with one stone in the month of May. They’ll add vibrant beauty and biodiversity to your garden while also supporting veggie growth by deterring harmful pests and attracting beneficial pollinators. 

Your entire garden ecosystem can improve from the addition of a select few flowers. One of our writers recently put together a helpful guide, here’s a full list of flowers to plant near vegetable, if you want to give your garden an extra boost.

Conclusion

Contrary to the impression you may have developed from this article, May is not a “magical” month for planting crops in zones 3-10; it’s just the month that offers the most upsides in terms of warm soil temperature, quicker germination periods, and most importantly, longer duration of access to sunlight. 

Now, it’s up to you to make the right picks for your garden and USDA zone this May, so all that strategic thinking and planning is translated into productive action before summer. Good luck!