What to plant in May in Minnesota
In Minnesota (MN), May comes about 1 week after the average last frost (May 6). The state averages 145 frost-free days a year (last frost May 6, first frost September 28; USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a).
84 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including asparagus, bok choy / pak choi, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chives - and 40 of those windows close during May.
Dates here come from Minnesota frost dates (last frost May 6, first frost Sep 28). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cauliflower or lettuce in Minnesota.
Minnesota: planting activity through the year
Last chance in May
Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by May 2) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by May 2) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by May 2) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Fennel (Bulb) (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Globe Artichoke (plant crowns / divisions, by May 9) · Lemon Balm (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Mint (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Tarragon (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Fennel (Bulb) (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Lemon Balm (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Parsnip (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Swiss Chard (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Celeriac (transplant outdoors, by May 16) · Celery (transplant outdoors, by May 16) · Oregano (transplant outdoors, by May 16) · Sage (transplant outdoors, by May 16) · Thyme (transplant outdoors, by May 16)
Sow or plant outdoors in May (95)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | May 1 – May 20 | May 1 – May 20 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | May 1 – May 20 | May 1 – May 20 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from Minnesota'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 29 – Jun 15 | Opens May 29 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on May 7 and May 19 and May 31
- Spinach: sow again on May 7 and May 19 and May 31
- Carrot: sow again on May 3 and May 21
- Beet: sow again on May 14
- Radish: sow again on May 8 and May 18 and May 28
- Arugula: sow again on May 2 and May 14 and May 26
- Turnip: sow again on May 13 and May 27
- Kohlrabi: sow again on May 13 and May 27
- Mustard Greens: sow again on May 13 and May 27
- Green Onion / Scallion: sow again on May 20
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on May 13 and May 27
- Rapini (Broccoli Raab): sow again on May 13 and May 27
- Tatsoi: sow again on May 2 and May 14 and May 26
- Mizuna: sow again on May 2 and May 14 and May 26
- Chervil: sow again on May 13 and May 27
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 Minnesota
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Minnesota: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: May garden jobs in Minnesota
- With the average last frost on May 6, 69 crops can go in outdoors this month, including asparagus, bok choy / pak choi, broccoli, brussels sprouts.
- Transplant on a cloudy afternoon and water in well - see transplanting seedlings without shock.
- Once the soil has warmed, lay mulch around established plants to hold moisture and smother weeds.
- Sow quick crops little and often - lettuce, radish and beans every two to three weeks give a steady harvest instead of a glut (succession planting).
USDA zone chart for Minnesota
Minnesota spans USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. 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 Minnesota in May?
84 crops have a window in May: asparagus, bok choy / pak choi, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chives, endive & escarole, leek, lettuce, napa cabbage and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Minnesota in May?
No - transplant outdoors runs May 6 – May 23 in Minnesota, so do it before May 23.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Minnesota in May?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 15 – May 2 in Minnesota, so do it before May 2.
When is the first frost in Minnesota?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 28 and the last spring frost around May 6. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Minnesota in May?
From plantings made on time: radish, spinach, arugula, tatsoi, mizuna, mustard greens, mache (corn salad), lettuce, turnip, rapini (broccoli raab).
What to plant in May in other states
Dates are computed from Minnesota’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.