What to Plant in May
As we get closer to summer, all those warm-loving plants need to get into the garden. If you live in a foggy area, you still have some time to plant some more cool-weather brassicas and fava beans.
This list is based on my planting calendar, which is a great reference when you are choosing what to plant and what to prepare for each season. I’ve included sources for each plant and some notes to better help you in planning your garden this year.
Fava Bean
Sow seeds outside in FOGGY AREAS only.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Runner Bean
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Snap Bean
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Beet
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Broccoli
Plant seedlings outside or start seeds indoors and plant outside in June.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Brussels Sprout
Plant outside in FOGGY AREAS, or start seeds indoors to plant outside in June through September.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Cabbage
Plant seedlings outside or start seeds indoors and plant outside in June.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Carrot
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Cauliflower
Plant seedlings outside (FOGGY AREAS) or start seeds indoors to plant outside in June (FOGGY AREAS), or July (FOGGY AREAS).
Sources: Botanical Interests
Celery
Plant seedlings outside or start seeds indoors to plant outside in June (FOGGY AREAS), or July (FOGGY AREAS).
Sources: Botanical Interests
Early Corn
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Cucumber
Sow seeds outside.
Resources on growing Cucumbers: Bay Area Guide to Growing Cucumbers
Sources: Botanical Interests
Eggplant
Plant seedlings outside or start seeds indoors to plant in June (SUNNY AREAS).
Sources: Botanical Interests
Hops Rhizomes
Plant outside. This is the last recommended month until March to plant.
Sources: Territorial Seed or Northern Brewer
Lettuce
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Mustard
Sow seeds outside in FOGGY AREAS.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Onion
Sow seeds outside in SUNNY AREAS.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Parsnip
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Pea
Sow seeds outside in FOGGY AREAS only.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Pepper
Plant seedlings outside, or sow seeds indoors for planting in June.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Potato Tubers
Plant outside.
Resources on growing Potatoes: Grow Potatoes from your Pantry
Sources: Peaceful Valley
Radish
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Summer & Winter Squash (including Pumpkins)
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Sunflower
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Swiss Chard
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests
Tomato
Plant seedlings outside or sow seeds indoors for planting in June (SUNNY AREAS).
Resources on growing Tomatoes: Bay Area Guide to Growing Tomatoes, Review of Cuore di Bue Tomatoes
Sources: Botanical Interests
Turnip
Sow seeds outside.
Sources: Botanical Interests