The Best Vegetables to Plant in May for a Summer Harvest

May is a time of transition. The cooler days of spring give way to summer in colder climates, while hotter regions are already feeling the heat. For gardeners, it's one of the most active months of the year — and one of the most rewarding.

Whether you're finishing up a spring harvest or just getting started, May gives your garden a powerful head start for summer. The soil is warming up, the threat of frost has passed in most regions, and longer days create ideal conditions for young plants to take root and thrive. Here's everything you need to know about what to plant this month, broken down by climate zone.

Why May Is the Best Month to Plant

For warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers, May offers the right combination of warmth and light to get them off to a strong start. If you've just harvested cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, or radishes, May is the perfect time to replant those open spaces with vegetables that will carry your garden through summer. Whether you're succession planting, filling gaps, or starting fresh, May is a key window to keep your garden productive and full. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to confirm your last frost date before planting.

Spring weather plays a big role in how quickly your garden gets going. For local forecasts and soil temperature trends in your area, check out Weather Forecast Now's Spring 2026 weather outlook to plan your planting windows accordingly.