May Planting Calendar: Transplanting and Succession Sowing

May: the start of the warm gardening season

May connects the spring and summer garden. Days become longer, soil temperatures rise, and many young plants can finally move outdoors permanently.

• Heat-loving crops are transplanted outdoors
• Many vegetables grow rapidly now
• Regular succession sowing extends harvests
• Late frosts may still occur in some regions

Transplanting tender crops

Tomatoes, peppers, chilies, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, and basil are sensitive to cold. They should only be planted outdoors after frost-free nights.

• Plant tomatoes in sunny and sheltered places
• Peppers and chilies prefer especially warm locations
• Cucumbers and zucchini need nutrient-rich soil
• Basil enjoys warmth and even moisture

Hardening off young plants

Indoor-grown seedlings should gradually adjust to sun, wind, and cooler outdoor temperatures before transplanting.

1. 1

   Move plants outside during the day

   Place plants outdoors for a few hours in a sheltered spot.

2. 2

   Increase sun exposure slowly

   Avoid harsh midday sun at first.

3. 3

   Protect plants at night

   Bring plants indoors or into the greenhouse during cold nights.

4. 4

   Transplant after acclimation

   Once plants are adapted to outdoor conditions, they can stay outside permanently.

Succession sowing in May

Regular sowing throughout May helps provide continuous harvests over a longer period.

• Sow lettuces in small batches
• Continue sowing radishes regularly
• Reuse empty beds immediately
• Short sowing intervals prevent harvest gaps

Preparing and caring for the soil

Heat-loving vegetables grow best in loose, humus-rich soil with consistent moisture.

• Add compost or organic matter
• Use mulch to reduce drying out
• Water regularly but not excessively
• Protect young plants from strong winds

Planning beds efficiently

Many summer vegetables grow vigorously and need enough room. Good planning improves light exposure, airflow, and maintenance.

• Avoid overcrowding large plants
• Prepare supports early
• Reserve sunny areas for heat-loving crops
• Add small succession crops between larger plants

Common May gardening mistakes

• Planting outdoors too early during cold nights
• Skipping the hardening-off process
• Allowing new transplants to dry out
• Planting beds too densely
• Forgetting succession sowings

Frequently asked questions