What to plant in May in Alaska
In Alaska (AK), the average last frost (May 17) arrives in late May. The state averages 119 frost-free days a year (last frost May 17, first frost September 13; USDA zones 1a, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b).
91 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion - and 59 of those windows close during May.
Dates here come from Alaska frost dates (last frost May 17, first frost Sep 13). For one crop in detail, see when to plant arugula, beet or onion in Alaska.
Alaska covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Alaska: planting activity through the year
Last chance in May
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by May 3) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by May 3) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by May 3) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by May 3) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by May 3) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by May 3) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by May 3) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by May 3) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by May 6) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by May 6) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by May 6) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by May 6) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by May 6) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by May 6) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by May 6) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by May 6) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by May 10) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by May 13) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by May 13) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by May 13) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by May 13) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by May 17) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by May 17)
Sow or plant outdoors in May (121)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in May, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Last chance - ends May 10 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Last chance - ends May 17 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | May 3 – May 20 | May 3 – May 20 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | May 3 – May 20 | May 3 – May 20 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | May 3 – May 20 | May 3 – May 20 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | May 3 – May 20 | May 3 – May 20 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | May 3 – May 20 | May 3 – May 20 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | May 5 – May 24 | May 5 – May 24 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | May 5 – May 24 | May 5 – May 24 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | May 5 – May 24 | May 5 – May 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | May 5 – May 24 | May 5 – May 24 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | May 10 – May 27 | May 10 – May 27 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | May 10 – May 27 | May 10 – May 27 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | May 10 – May 27 | May 10 – May 27 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | May 10 – May 27 | May 10 – May 27 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | May 10 – May 27 | May 10 – May 27 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | May 12 – May 31 | May 12 – May 31 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | May 12 – May 31 | May 12 – May 31 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 17 – Jun 3 | Opens May 17 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 19 – Jun 7 | Opens May 19 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | May 24 – Jun 10 | Opens May 24 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 26 – Jun 14 | Opens May 26 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | May 31 – Jun 17 | Opens May 31 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | May 31 – Jun 17 | Opens May 31 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | May 31 – Jun 17 | Opens May 31 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | May 31 – Jun 17 | Opens May 31 |
For fall and winter harvests (2)
Sowings counted back from Alaska's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | Start transplants for fall | May 14 – May 31 | May 14 – May 31 |
| Rutabaga | Sow for a fall crop | May 28 – Jun 14 | Opens May 28 |
Start seeds indoors in May (7)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Last chance - ends May 3 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on May 6 and May 18 and May 30
- Spinach: sow again on May 6 and May 18 and May 30
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on May 10 and May 24
Harvesting in May
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Alaska
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Alaska: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: May garden jobs in Alaska
- The average last frost is May 17. Hardy crops can go out now - arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
- Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
- Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the Alaska average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for Alaska
Alaska spans USDA zones 1a, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Alaska in May?
91 crops have a window in May: arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion, radish, shallot, tatsoi, cabbage and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Alaska in May?
No - transplant outdoors runs May 17 – Jun 3 in Alaska.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Alaska in May?
No - direct sow (spring) runs Apr 21 – May 10 in Alaska, so do it before May 10.
When is the first frost in Alaska?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 13 and the last spring frost around May 17. Alaska covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in May in Alaska?
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Apr 19 – May 3), Cucumber (Apr 19 – May 3), Pumpkin (Apr 19 – May 3), Sunflower (Apr 19 – May 3), Watermelon (Apr 19 – May 3), Winter Squash (Apr 19 – May 3), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Apr 19 – May 3).
What to plant in May in other states
Dates are computed from Alaska’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.