What to plant in May in Utah
In Utah (UT), May comes about 1 week after the average last frost (May 5). The state averages 153 frost-free days a year (last frost May 5, first frost October 5; USDA zones 4a, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 9a).
84 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including asparagus, bok choy / pak choi, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chives - and 42 of those windows close during May.
Dates here come from Utah frost dates (last frost May 5, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cauliflower or lettuce in Utah.
Utah 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.
Utah: planting activity through the year
Last chance in May
Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by May 1) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by May 1) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by May 1) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by May 1) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by May 5) · Fennel (Bulb) (transplant outdoors, by May 8) · Globe Artichoke (plant crowns / divisions, by May 8) · Lemon Balm (transplant outdoors, by May 8) · Mint (transplant outdoors, by May 8) · Tarragon (transplant outdoors, by May 8) · Fennel (Bulb) (direct sow (spring), by May 12) · Lemon Balm (direct sow (spring), by May 12) · Parsnip (direct sow (spring), by May 12) · Swiss Chard (direct sow (spring), by May 12) · Celeriac (transplant outdoors, by May 15) · Celery (transplant outdoors, by May 15) · Oregano (transplant outdoors, by May 15) · Sage (transplant outdoors, by May 15) · Thyme (transplant outdoors, by May 15) · Dill (direct sow (spring), by May 19) · Sunflower (direct sow (spring), by May 19)
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 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Last chance - ends May 1 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Last chance - ends May 5 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Last chance - ends May 8 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 21 – May 8 | Last chance - ends May 8 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Last chance - ends May 8 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Last chance - ends May 8 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Last chance - ends May 8 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Last chance - ends May 12 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Last chance - ends May 12 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Last chance - ends May 12 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Last chance - ends May 12 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Last chance - ends May 15 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Last chance - ends May 15 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Last chance - ends May 15 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Last chance - ends May 15 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Last chance - ends May 15 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 30 – May 19 | Last chance - ends May 19 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 30 – May 19 | Last chance - ends May 19 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | May 5 – May 22 | May 5 – May 22 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | May 7 – May 26 | May 7 – May 26 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | May 12 – May 29 | May 12 – May 29 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | May 14 – Jun 2 | Opens May 14 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | May 19 – Jun 5 | Opens May 19 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | May 19 – Jun 5 | Opens May 19 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | May 19 – Jun 5 | Opens May 19 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | May 19 – Jun 5 | Opens May 19 |
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
- Carrot: sow again on May 2 and May 20
- Beet: sow again on May 13 and May 31
- Radish: sow again on May 7 and May 17 and May 27
- Arugula: sow again on May 1 and May 13 and May 25
- Turnip: sow again on May 12 and May 26
- Kohlrabi: sow again on May 12 and May 26
- Mustard Greens: sow again on May 12 and May 26
- Green Onion / Scallion: sow again on May 19
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on May 12 and May 26
- Rapini (Broccoli Raab): sow again on May 12 and May 26
- Tatsoi: sow again on May 1 and May 13 and May 25
- Mizuna: sow again on May 1 and May 13 and May 25
- Chervil: sow again on May 12 and May 26
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 Utah
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Utah: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: May garden jobs in Utah
- With the average last frost on May 5, 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 Utah
Utah spans USDA zones 4a, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 9a. 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 Utah 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 Utah in May?
No - transplant outdoors runs May 5 – May 22 in Utah, so do it before May 22.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Utah in May?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 14 – May 1 in Utah, so do it before May 1.
When is the first frost in Utah?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around May 5. Utah covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Utah 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 Utah’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.