What to plant in May in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire (NH), the average last frost (May 13) falls in May itself. The state averages 135 frost-free days a year (last frost May 13, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).
89 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including cabbage, collard greens, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, onion - and 48 of those windows close during May.
Dates here come from New Hampshire frost dates (last frost May 13, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant cabbage, kale or onion in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire: planting activity through the year
Last chance in May
Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by May 2) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by May 2) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by May 2) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by May 6) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by May 9) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by May 9) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by May 9) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by May 9) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by May 13) · Fennel (Bulb) (transplant outdoors, by May 16) · Globe Artichoke (plant crowns / divisions, by May 16) · Lemon Balm (transplant outdoors, by May 16) · Mint (transplant outdoors, by May 16) · Tarragon (transplant outdoors, by May 16)
Sow or plant outdoors in May (112)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Last chance - ends May 2 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Last chance - ends May 6 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Last chance - ends May 9 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Last chance - ends May 13 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Last chance - ends May 16 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | May 1 – May 20 | May 1 – May 20 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | May 1 – May 20 | May 1 – May 20 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | May 1 – May 20 | May 1 – May 20 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | May 1 – May 20 | May 1 – May 20 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | May 6 – May 23 | May 6 – May 23 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | May 8 – May 27 | May 8 – May 27 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 13 – May 30 | May 13 – May 30 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 15 – Jun 3 | Opens May 15 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | May 20 – Jun 6 | Opens May 20 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 22 – Jun 10 | Opens May 22 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | May 27 – Jun 13 | Opens May 27 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | May 27 – Jun 13 | Opens May 27 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | May 27 – Jun 13 | Opens May 27 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | May 27 – Jun 13 | Opens May 27 |
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from New Hampshire'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 26 – Jun 12 | Opens May 26 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on May 2 and May 14 and May 26
- Spinach: sow again on May 2 and May 14 and May 26
- Beet: sow again on May 3 and May 21
- Radish: sow again on May 5 and May 15 and May 25
- Arugula: sow again on May 9 and May 21
- Green Onion / Scallion: sow again on May 6 and May 27
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on May 6 and May 20
- Tatsoi: sow again on May 9 and May 21
- Mizuna: sow again on May 9 and May 21
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 New Hampshire
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New Hampshire: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: May garden jobs in New Hampshire
- With the average last frost on May 13, 80 crops can go in outdoors this month, including cabbage, collard greens, horseradish, kale.
- 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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. 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 New Hampshire in May?
89 crops have a window in May: cabbage, collard greens, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, onion, rhubarb, shallot, carrot, chervil and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in New Hampshire in May?
No - transplant outdoors runs May 13 – May 30 in New Hampshire, so do it before May 30.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New Hampshire in May?
No - direct sow (spring) runs Apr 17 – May 6 in New Hampshire, so do it before May 6.
When is the first frost in New Hampshire?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 13. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in New Hampshire in May?
From plantings made on time: radish, spinach, arugula, tatsoi, mizuna, mustard greens, mache (corn salad), lettuce.
What to plant in May in other states
Dates are computed from New Hampshire’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.