May in USDA zones 7-8 – when your garden is basically screaming “PUT ALL THE PLANTS IN ME!” If you’re wondering what to plant in May in these delightful middle zones, I have to laugh because the better question might be: what shouldn’t you plant? May is absolutely prime planting time when the soil is warm, the sun is shining, and practically everything wants to grow.

While gardeners in zones 4-6 are still anxiously watching frost forecasts (last frost dates typically range from early April to mid-May), you zone 7-8 folks are sitting pretty with your last frost dates likely already behind you (late March to mid-April). You’re in that gardening sweet spot where the soil has warmed nicely but the scorching summer heat hasn’t yet arrived to stress your tender seedlings.

So grab your gardening gloves, fill your water bottle, and let’s explore the cornucopia of plants you can tuck into your garden beds this month. Your biggest challenge won’t be what to plant – it’ll be finding enough garden space for all these possibilities!

Vegetables to Plant in May in Zones 7-8

Warm-Season Crops (Plant after last frost date)

Tomatoes (Transplants, 2 weeks after last frost) These garden favorites thrive in the warming May soil. Plant deeply, with only the top few sets of leaves showing above ground – those fuzzy stems will develop roots all along the buried portion! Pro tip: Try determinate varieties for an earlier harvest, or indeterminate types for a longer production season.

Peppers (Transplants, 2-3 weeks after last frost) Bell peppers, jalapeños, and all their spicy cousins love May’s warming temperatures. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart and consider providing afternoon shade if your area tends to heat up quickly.

Eggplant (Transplants, 2-3 weeks after last frost) These purple beauties thrive in the May warmth. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil. They’ll reward you with glossy fruits by mid-summer.

Cucumbers (Direct seed, 2 weeks after last frost) Perfect timing for these summer classics! Sow seeds directly in the garden or transplant seedlings. Try bush varieties for small spaces or climbing types for vertical gardens.

Summer Squash & Zucchini (Direct seed, 2 weeks after last frost) Plant these prolific producers now for an early summer harvest. Direct seed or transplant, leaving 3-4 feet between plants – they’ll need the space! Remember, just a few plants will feed your entire neighborhood.

Winter Squash & Pumpkins (Direct seed, 2 weeks after last frost) May is perfect for planting these long-season crops. Sow seeds directly in the garden, allowing plenty of room for the sprawling vines (6-10 feet spacing).

Melons (Direct seed, 2-3 weeks after last frost) Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews thrive when planted in May’s warm soil. Give them plenty of space (6-8 feet) and consistent water for the sweetest harvest.

Corn (Direct seed, 2 weeks after last frost) May is prime corn-planting time! Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. For a continuous harvest, plant a new batch every two weeks until early July.

Beans (Direct seed, after all frost danger has passed) Both bush and pole varieties can be directly seeded now. For bush beans, plant successively every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

Sweet Potatoes (Slips, 3-4 weeks after last frost) May is the perfect month to plant sweet potato slips. Plant them 12-18 inches apart in well-draining soil and get ready for a fall harvest of these nutritional powerhouses.

Okra (Direct seed, 3 weeks after last frost) This heat-loving Southern staple thrives when planted in late May. Direct seed or transplant when soil temperatures reach 65-70°F.

Cool-Season Crops (For Quick Harvest Before Summer Heat)

Lettuce (Direct seed, ASAP) Try heat-resistant varieties like ‘Buttercrunch’ or ‘Summer Crisp’ for a quick harvest before summer’s heat arrives. Plant in partial shade to extend the harvest season.

Spinach (Direct seed, ASAP) Get these in early May for a harvest before the summer heat causes bolting. Try bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ or ‘Tyee.’

Radishes (Direct seed, throughout May) These quick growers are perfect for succession planting every 7-10 days throughout May. Try heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast’ for best results.

Green Onions/Scallions (Direct seed or transplant, throughout May) These versatile alliums are perfect for May planting. Direct seed or plant sets for a quick harvest within 30-40 days.

Carrots (Direct seed, early May) Get these in early for a summer harvest. Choose shorter varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Oxheart’ for quicker maturation before summer heat.

Beets (Direct seed, early May) Early May is your last good chance for spring beets. Direct seed and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

Kohlrabi (Direct seed, early May) This quick-growing brassica can still be planted in early May for a harvest before the summer heat intensifies.

Fruits to Plant in May in Zones 7-8

Strawberries (Transplants, throughout May) While typically planted earlier, May is still good for getting strawberry plants established. Choose day-neutral or everbearing varieties for an extended harvest.

Melons (Direct seed or transplant, 2-3 weeks after last frost) Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews thrive in the warm May soil. Give them plenty of space and consistent water for the sweetest fruits.

Bush Berries (Container plants, throughout May) Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries purchased as container plants can still be planted in May, though they’ll need extra attention to watering as the weather warms.

Herbs to Plant in May in Zones 7-8

Basil (Transplants or direct seed, after all frost danger) This warm-season herb thrives in May’s temperatures. Plant near tomatoes for companion planting benefits and easy access for your summer cooking.

Cilantro (Direct seed, early May and successively) Plant early in the month and provide some afternoon shade to extend your harvest before it bolts in summer heat. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks.

Dill (Direct seed, early May) Like cilantro, plant early and succession sow for a continuous harvest before it bolts in summer heat.

Parsley (Transplants or direct seed, throughout May) This versatile herb does well when planted in May, offering harvests throughout summer and often into fall.

Mint (Transplants, throughout May) Perfect time to plant mint in containers (please, for the love of your garden, keep it contained!). It establishes quickly in May’s warm soil.

Oregano (Transplants, throughout May) This perennial herb establishes well when planted in May, providing years of flavorful harvests.

Rosemary (Transplants, throughout May) May is perfect for establishing these woody perennial herbs. Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location.

Thyme (Transplants, throughout May) Like rosemary, thyme establishes well in May’s warming conditions, setting the stage for years of harvests.

Sage (Transplants, throughout May) This beautiful perennial herb thrives when planted in May, developing strong roots before summer’s heat.

Chives (Transplants or divisions, throughout May) Whether from seeds, transplants, or divisions, chives establish quickly in May’s conditions.

Summer Savory (Direct seed or transplant, after all frost danger) This annual herb is perfect for May planting, offering a peppery, thyme-like flavor for summer dishes.

Lemongrass (Transplants, after all frost danger) This tropical herb thrives in the warmth of May planting, providing citrusy stalks for teas and Asian cuisine.

Edible Flowers to Plant in May in Zones 7-8

Nasturtiums (Direct seed, after all frost danger) These spicy, colorful flowers are perfect for May planting. The entire plant is edible – flowers, leaves, and even the seed pods (which make great homemade “capers”).

Borage (Direct seed, after all frost danger) With cucumber-flavored blue flowers, borage is a beautiful and tasty addition to the May garden. It self-seeds readily, so plant it where you won’t mind volunteers.

Calendula (Direct seed, throughout May) These golden flowers thrive in May’s conditions and add a mild, slightly spicy flavor to salads and desserts.

Sunflowers (Direct seed, after all frost danger) May is perfect for planting these cheerful giants. The unopened buds can be steamed like artichokes, while the seeds provide a nutritious snack.

Lavender (Transplants, throughout May) While primarily grown for its fragrance, lavender flowers add a subtle floral note to desserts and cocktails. May is perfect for establishing these perennial beauties.

Chamomile (Direct seed or transplants, throughout May) Whether you’re growing German or Roman varieties, May is ideal for establishing these tea-making favorites.

Anise Hyssop (Transplants, throughout May) With its licorice-flavored leaves and lovely purple flower spikes, this perennial herb/flower establishes beautifully in May.

May Garden Tasks for Zones 7-8

While you’re busy planting all these delicious edibles, don’t forget these important May garden tasks:

1. Mulch, mulch, mulch! As temperatures rise, a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch will help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
2. Establish watering systems before summer heat arrives. Consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient watering.
3. Set up supports for climbing plants like pole beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes while they’re still small.
4. Monitor for pests as they become more active in the warming weather. Catch problems early for easier organic control.
5. Begin harvesting early crops like spring lettuce, spinach, and radishes before summer heat causes them to bolt.
6. Thin seedlings to recommended spacing to ensure proper air circulation and reduce competition for nutrients.
7. Keep succession planting fast-growing crops like radishes, lettuce, and bush beans for continuous harvests.

May in zones 7-8 is a gardener’s dream – warm enough for heat-loving crops but not yet scorching, with soil that’s perfectly warmed for seed germination. Take advantage of these ideal conditions to set yourself up for a summer full of garden-fresh abundance. Your biggest problem won’t be what to plant – it’ll be finding enough neighbors to share your inevitable bumper harvests with!

What are you most excited to plant this May? Are you trying any new varieties this year? Drop a comment below and share your garden plans!