What to plant in May, zone 4a
In zone 4a, the typical last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28. Here is your May checklist.
Transplant outdoors
Move these out to the garden this month:
- CantaloupeMay 12 to May 26
- CauliflowerApril 28 to May 5
- CucumberMay 12 to May 26
- DahliaMay 12 to May 26
- EggplantMay 12 to May 26
- English LavenderMay 12 to May 26
- LettuceMay 12
- MarigoldMay 12 to May 26
- PepperMay 12 to May 26
- PetuniaMay 12 to May 26
- SpinachMay 12
- Swiss ChardMay 12
- TomatoMay 12 to May 26
- WatermelonMay 12 to May 26
Direct sow
Sow these straight into the ground this month:
- BasilMay 12
- CantaloupeMay 12 to May 26
- CauliflowerApril 28 to May 5
- CucumberMay 12 to May 26
- DillMay 12
- Green Bean (Snap Bean)May 5
- MarigoldMay 12 to May 26
- ParsleyMay 12
- PumpkinMay 12 to May 26
- SunflowerMay 12 to May 26
- Sweet CornMay 12 to May 26
- WatermelonMay 12 to May 26
- Winter SquashMay 12 to May 26
- ZucchiniMay 12 to May 26
Harvest
Expect to harvest these this month:
- RadishMay 16 to June 12
Want your exact dates?
These are zone 4a 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.