What to plant in May, zone 3b
In zone 3b, the typical last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 23. Here is your May checklist.
Transplant outdoors
Move these out to the garden this month:
- BroccoliApril 26 to May 3
- CabbageApril 26 to May 3
- CantaloupeMay 17 to May 31
- CauliflowerMay 3 to May 10
- CollardsMay 3
- CucumberMay 17 to May 31
- DahliaMay 17 to May 31
- EggplantMay 17 to May 31
- English LavenderMay 17 to May 31
- LettuceMay 17
- MarigoldMay 17 to May 31
- PepperMay 17 to May 31
- PetuniaMay 17 to May 31
- SpinachMay 17
- Swiss ChardMay 17
- TomatoMay 17 to May 31
- WatermelonMay 17 to May 31
Direct sow
Sow these straight into the ground this month:
- BasilMay 17
- BeetApril 26 to May 3
- BroccoliApril 26 to May 3
- CabbageApril 26 to May 3
- CantaloupeMay 17 to May 31
- CarrotApril 26 to May 3
- CauliflowerMay 3 to May 10
- CucumberMay 17 to May 31
- DillMay 17
- Green Bean (Snap Bean)May 10
- LettuceApril 26 to May 3
- MarigoldMay 17 to May 31
- ParsleyMay 17
- ParsnipApril 26 to May 3
- PotatoApril 26 to May 3
- PumpkinMay 17 to May 31
- RadishApril 26 to May 3
- SunflowerMay 17 to May 31
- Sweet CornMay 17 to May 31
- WatermelonMay 17 to May 31
- Winter SquashMay 17 to May 31
- ZucchiniMay 17 to May 31
Fall planting
Plant these for fall and overwintering this month:
- Brussels SproutsMay 27
Harvest
Expect to harvest these this month:
- RadishMay 21 to June 17
Want your exact dates?
These are zone 3b averages. Enter your ZIP for a calendar built on your nearest weather station.
Open the planting calendarUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, 2023. USDA Agricultural Research Service / Oregon State University PRISM Group. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Zone dates are medians; local conditions vary.