May might palpate late in the season , but there ’s still slew of time to plantvegetables — if you pick the correct ones . Some crops thrive when pop out now , while others simply wo n’t have enough time tomaturebefore the cooler days offallarrive .

In this article , we reveal9 vegetablesyou can still successfully found in May , along with9 cropsthat are better left for next class . With the right alternative , you ’ll maximize your growing time of year and relish abountiful harvesteven if you ’re starting a small late .

Do n’t waste precious garden blank space — find out whichvegetablescan stillthriveand which unity are best to skip this time around !

9 Vegetables You Can Still Plant in May (And 9 That Won’t Make It Before Fall)

Tomatoes

Tomatoes thrive in the heat , making May the staring time to acquaint them to your garden . With the Lord’s Day on their side , these red-hot fruit will flourish in well - drained soil and a gay spot . Stake them betimes to support their ontogeny and prevent rot .

pick out a variety that suits your taste , whether it ’s the robust sapidity of heirlooms or the angelic bite of cherry tree tomato . Consider fellow imbed with basil to naturally deter pests .

think back , tomatoes need coherent watering but obviate overhead method to keep disease . Enjoy a freehanded harvest come summer !

Tomatoes

© organic_gwen

Peppers

black pepper , with their vivacious colors , are a stunning addition to any garden . May offer the heat they thirst , insure a successful planting season . Opt for potpourri that touch your culinary preferences , from cherubic bell to juicy jalapeños .

Space them adequately to allow full sun exposure , enhancing their tone profile . A well - debilitate , rich soil work wonders in advance their ontogenesis .

Mulch can aid assert moisture and suppress weeds , promising healthy yields . on a regular basis mark for pestilence like aphid and employ constituent solution to keep your plants thriving .

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are the epitome of refreshment in salad and pickles . May ’s warmth assure they germinate quickly , climbing their means up trellises . Position them where they can receive abundant sun .

These vines apprise rich , well - drained soil and ordered lachrymation , especially during dry spells . Keep an eye out for powdery mildew ; good air circulation helps prevent it .

Harvest when they ’re unbendable and full - sized but still tender . revel the brittleness that comes with homegrown cucumbers , gross for summertime recipes .

Peppers

© kitchengardenz

Bush Beans

Bush noggin are springy and tight - growing , wee them ideal for May planting . They require minimum support , unlike their climbing counterparts . take a gay situation ; they adore relish in lightness , which aid in seedcase yield .

dirt enriched with constituent topic sets them up for success . even watering is key , ensuring even moisture . Be vigilant about pest like bean beetles ; neem oil can be a instinctive handicap .

attic are best harvest when unseasoned and attendant . Their crunchy grain is wholesome and delicious , perfect for brisk meals or suspend for later .

Peppers

Squash

Squash plants are a gardener ’s delight in May . Their large leaves capture sunlight expeditiously , fueling speedy growth . Choose between summer squash for immediate payoff or wintertime variety for long - full term storage .

They thrive in nutrient - fat soil with ample space to conurbation . coherent watering push healthy fruit exploitation , but deflect waterlogging the roots .

pollenation is crucial ; encourage bee by imbed flowers nearby . Watch for sign of squash vine rock drill , and take proactive measures against them . harvesting when fruits are young for the unspoiled gustation and texture .

Cucumbers

© gardendownunder

Zucchini

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that brandish when set in May . This fertile producer lie with the sun and needs elbow room to distribute . ascertain your garden has well - drain soil enriched with compost for best outcome .

on a regular basis lacrimation courgette helps assert its tender texture . Pick zucchinis when they ’re about six inches tenacious to enjoy their ticklish feel . Overgrown zucchinis can become hard and less flavourous .

Watch for powdery mildew , specially in humid conditions . A dear air stream between works can avail forestall this . Zucchini is a true garden favorite !

Cucumbers

Corn

Corn , the quintessential summer craw , is double-dyed for May planting . This tall grower need sight of sunlight and outer space . Plant in blocks rather than words to insure in force pollination .

plenteous , well - enfeeble dirt with regular watering fosters racy development . regard succession planting for continuous harvesting throughout summertime .

Monitor for pestilence like corn earworms , and take preventative action . Harvest when kernels are full and milky for the sweetest gustatory sensation . Fresh maize on the great black-backed gull is a summer staple fiber that ’s hard to beat .

Bush Beans

© garden_with_kitchnthyme

Eggplant

Eggplants , with their shiny appeal , are an excellent choice for May planting . These high temperature - loving industrial plant flourish in full sun and fertile , well - drained soil . Stake them early to support their unsloped ontogenesis .

Regular tearing , particularly during dry spell , keeps them in prime condition . Be argus-eyed against flea beetle , which can damage leave of absence early on .

harvest time aubergine when they ’re shiny and truehearted . Overripe Solanum melongena can become sulfurous , detracting from its alone flavor . Savor their rich sense of taste in your summertime dishes .

Bush Beans

Melons

Melons , whether cantaloupe or watermelon vine , bring a juicy sweetness to summer table . May ’s warmth is key for successful germination and growth . Choose a sunny and spacious location , as they need ample elbow room to sprawl .

productive , loose soil with logical wet supports their development . Mulching helps retain soil passion and moisture , critical for other increase stages .

pollenation is of the essence , so pull bee with companion flowers . Harvest when the fruit is in full ripe , and the sweet-scented smell is unmistakable . Melons are a refreshing treat in the heat of summertime .

Squash

© pequotmuseum

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nerveless - conditions veg that struggles in the summer heat when institute in May . Its preference for cooler temperature makes it a tricky option this belatedly in the season .

For successful growth , Brassica oleracea italica take consistent soil moisture and cooler temperatures , often difficult to maintain during summer month . This can accentuate the plant , leading to suboptimal head formation .

If you attempt to plant , ascertain ample shade and lachrymation , but be ready for potential letdown . Instead , consider waiting until late summertime to set for a autumn harvesting , when experimental condition are more favorable .

Squash

Cauliflower

Cauliflower , much like its cousin broccoli , is sensible to passion , make May imbed a gamble . This cool - time of year crop favour temperature that loom between 60 - 70 ° F for optimum growth .

warm atmospheric condition in May can lead to bolt out , where the plant efflorescence untimely , bankrupt the edible head . Protect Brassica oleracea botrytis with shade fabric to mitigate warmth photo , though final result might vary .

For best resolution , contrive for a fall harvest by starting seeds mid - summertime . This fashion , cauliflower can grow during cooler months , raise the heavy , flavorful heads gardeners cherish .

Zucchini

© organic_garden_patch

Lettuce

Lettuce , the salad staple , wilts under May ’s rise up temperatures . This leafy park prefers the mild condition of former spring or dip .

Heat can cause boodle to go off , make leaf bitter and unpalatable . If you ’re set on growing lettuce in May , offer plentiful wraith and frequent watering to keep soil cool .

However , look until fall insure a more productive harvesting . In cool conditions , lettuce thrives with pinnace , flavorful leaves hone for fresh salads .

Zucchini

Spinach

Spinach tends to languish when temperatures soar , making it a hapless choice for May planting . This leafy special K thrives in nerveless , moist conditions that are hard to maintain as spring transitions to summertime .

Bolting is a common takings , causing spinach to create seeds rather than leaf , making it unpalatable . If imbed in May , choose heat - resistant variety and provide spectre .

Patience is key ; await for cooler weather later in the year will yield a more bountiful and flavorful harvest . Spinach is best suited for spring and accrue planting .

Corn

© urbanfarmer2570

Peas

pea , with their sweet compaction , contend as May warmth sets in . They thrive in cool weather , making other spring or late nightfall idealistic planting time .

In May , rise up temperature can handicap fuel pod establishment , leading to unsatisfying harvests . If you undertake a May planting , ensure plentiful refinement and cooling strategies .

study engraft again when temperatures drop , as pea plant are a cool - season harvest at heart . The sweetest peas come from those grown in their preferred cooler clime .

Corn

Radishes

radish are nimble cultivator , but May heat poses a challenge . They thrive in cooler land , which becomes elusive as spring gives way to summer .

Heat can cause radishes to develop a woody grain , making them less desirable . Frequent watering and blending can serve , but results may vary .

For crisp , tender radish plant , regard planting in early spring or expect until temperature cool in the fall . This ensures a harvesting that ’s both flavorful and solid .

Eggplant

© thehomegarden

Carrots

carrot require a longer growing time of year and cool soil temperatures , which May does n’t reliably provide . This root vegetable prefers other spring or later summer planting .

Warmer land can lead to poor radical development , impacting their taste and texture . If planting in May , ensure consistent wet and consider mulch to retain soil chilliness .

However , for good resolution , design for a fall harvest time . The tank conditions promote mellifluous , more rich carrots that are arrant for winter storage and use .

Eggplant

Beets

Beets , with their down-to-earth bouquet , do n’t favour May planting . These roots favour cool soil , which is scarce as temperatures mount .

Heat can cause beets to become tough and fibrous , impacting their culinary appeal . Shade and moisture retention can avail extenuate these gist , but winner is limited .

For optimum flavor and texture , consider planting beet in the gloam . This allow for them to mature in cooler conditions , resulting in a sweeter , more cutter craw .

Melons

© mybackyardharvest

Celery

Celery is notoriously finicky , requiring specific conditions that May often does n’t provide . This veg prefers long , cool get periods , making it undesirable for engraft as temperature climb .

Heat can induce celery to spring up a biting smell and rugged stalks . Providing uniform moisture and some shading may avail , but results can be mixed .

Consider starting celery earlier in the time of year or planting for a fall harvest , when cooler conditions are more favorable for their touchy growing needs .

Melons

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels pullulate , know for their rich , cracked savour , struggle in the oestrus of May . They need a long , nerveless grow season to develop their signature taste and texture .

plant in May often conduct to pathetic sprout establishment and a bitter appreciation due to heat tenseness . leave shade and consistent lachrymation can help , but succeeder is uncertain .

For a truly satisfying crop , consider implant in belated summertime for a fall harvest . This ensures they grow in coolheaded circumstance , enhance both savour and calibre .

Broccoli

© homegrown.florida

Broccoli

Cauliflower

© greenstalkgarden

Cauliflower

Lettuce

© claybottomfarm

Lettuce

Spinach

© freedomhavenfarm

Spinach

Peas

© katiemoglesby

Peas

Radishes

© jensjuicyveggies

Radishes

Carrots

© zone_9a_gardening

Carrots

Beets

© opendoorfarmnc

Beets

Celery

© urbanveggiepatch

Celery

Brussels Sprouts

© growinggardenspdx

Brussels Sprouts