Newbies and Green thumbs alike, it’s May, say farewell to frost, it’s time to get dirty with this May Planting Guide! The plants respond to the warmer weather with vigor and can now reliably be planted so that, with luck and attention, they will mature in time to pick your veggies, herbs, and flowers.

Veggies Galor.

Time to put in those tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and squash! These sun-loving plants will begin to flourish in the warmer, longer days of May and will bloom into such a full blown harvest by mid-summer that you will be sharing the bounty.

Flavor for Garden.

Lift your food game by planting fresh herbs: plant basil, cilantro, parsley and dill in May in 7a. They not only flavor food, they draw good insects to the garden. If you decide to plant mint, do it in a contained area such as a raised bed, away from other plants. Mint will spread thanks to rhizomes in the roots and overtake anything it can.

Make it Pretty.

If you have a garden, consider planting blooms, since the garden bed or container will welcome flowers soon. For Massachusetts gardeners, consider planting marigolds, zinnias, and petunias in May. These annuals will pleasure you with flower blooms in the garden through the summer! Adding bright colors and pollen producing florals to your garden will encourage pollinators to pull up a stool.

Tip and Tricks for May Planting Guide

Before sowing seed or planting germinated seeds or transplants from the May Planting guide, prepare your soil by incorporating compost or some other type of organic matter. This will enrich the soil’s nutrient profile. It can also enhance the porosity of clay soils, helping them better absorb and retain moisture. After planting, water new seeds and transplants frequently, especially temporarily during hot or dry conditions.

And that’s your planting guide for Massachusetts in May, in Zone 7a, which is the last planting zone state-wide, assuming worst-case frosts. For more information or to participate in community gardens give one our fave non-profits a visit, BACKYARD GROWERS!

And don’t forget to plant some squash, but most of all have fun!