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As May rolls in, seasoned gardener Jacques and the Epic Gardening crew are ready to help anyone feeling behind in the planting season. From heat-loving veggies to container-friendly fruits, the team dives into the most resilient and rewarding crops you can still plant this month. Whether gardening in San Diego, Central Florida, or anywhere in between, these picks are designed to handle heat, resist pests, and deliver high yields—even in tough conditions.
Key Takeaways:
- May isn’t too late to plant — especially if you choose quick-maturing or heat-tolerant crops.
- Diversity is key — this list includes greens, fruiting plants, herbs, and legumes for maximum harvest potential.
- Grow smart, not hard — container gardening, succession sowing, and selecting disease-resistant varieties make success more likely.
1. Bunching Onions (Scallions)
Perfect for beginners, scallions like the Italian Red of Florence, White Lisbon, and Tokyo Long White are easy to grow in small spaces. Unlike bulbing onions, they don’t require thinning and thrive when sown densely in seed trays or tucked into empty garden spaces.
2. Melons
Melons like Minnesota Midget, Hearts of Gold, and Hale’s Best Jumbo are ideal for short growing seasons and mild climates. They love compost-rich soil and do well when planted near the edges of raised beds to allow vines to sprawl without rotting fruit on the ground.
3. Bush Beans
High in nutrients and low on maintenance, bush beans like the Botanical Interests’ trio and Pink Eye Purple Hull (black-eyed peas) are fast growers that don’t need trellising. Succession sowing every 3–4 weeks ensures a continuous harvest.
4. Roselle (Florida Cranberry)
A hibiscus relative, roselle thrives in heat and humidity. It’s a long-season crop grown for both its edible leaves and vibrant red calyces. Great for teas, it’s a standout plant for hot climates like Central Florida.
5. Catnip
More than just a treat for cats, catnip is drought-tolerant, blooms beautifully, and deters rodents when planted near compost piles. It’s best started indoors and transplanted once it reaches 6–8 inches to prevent feline destruction.
6. Raspberries (Heritage Variety)
Ideal for container gardeners, especially in urban settings, heritage raspberries are everbearing and productive in large grow bags. Add acidic soil amendments and a simple tomato cage to support their tall growth.
7. Edible Leaf Hibiscus
A heat-tolerant, spinach alternative that thrives in Florida summers. Edible leaf hibiscus has mild flavor, buttery texture, and can reach up to 10 feet tall. It’s easily propagated from cuttings and functions as a perennial in warm climates.
8. Tomatillos
These salsa staples need at least two plants for pollination—try Grande Rio Verde and Purple varieties. Unlike tomatoes, tomatillos prefer less attention, grow bushy, and thrive in tomato cages rather than on stakes.
9. Swiss Chard
A heat-tolerant green that grows reliably in partial shade. Perpetual Spinach and Five Color Silverbeet add both flavor and vibrant color. Direct sow in shaded areas to avoid transplant shock and enjoy greens year-round.
10. Seminole Pumpkin
A Florida-native powerhouse resistant to squash vine borer and powdery mildew. This vining squash is best planted on trellises and thrives with minimal care. Perfect for Southern climates that struggle with pests.
11. Ginger
An understory favorite for food forests or shaded areas. Grow in containers using sprouted rhizomes, spaced about 15 inches apart. Cure cut rhizomes before planting and harvest once foliage dies back in fall.
12. Winter Squash (Table King)
This acorn squash is perfect for storing and easy to direct sow. It matures in cooler weather but must be planted in May. Use mounded soil and thin seedlings for airflow to reduce fungal risk.
May is still full of opportunity for gardeners who act quickly. By choosing the right crops and techniques, even a late start can turn into a season of abundance. So grab your seeds, get your hands dirty, and start planting while the soil is warm and welcoming.