00:00Wondering what veggies you should be planting this May?
00:03It's prime time to get growing, but what you plant depends entirely on your location.
00:08Whether you're in a cooler zone such as 3, 4, or 5, or a warmer zone,
00:13knowing what to plant right now can make all the difference in your harvest.
00:17We'll walk you through the best veggies to plant in May,
00:20plus tips on whether to start from seed or pop in a transplant for a bit of a head start.
00:25Be sure to stick around until the end where I'll share my favorite way to use up extra produce
00:30to make a fun summer treat that everyone will enjoy.
00:34Grab your gloves and get ready to dig in.
00:37This month's planting list will keep your garden thriving and your crops growing strong all season long.
00:44Let's start with cabbage.
00:45Cabbage should already be in the ground by May as it thrives in cooler temperatures.
00:50It is a super versatile vegetable and you can even plant it at the end of summer for a fall
00:54harvest.
00:55But don't worry if you haven't started any seed yet.
00:58You can still sow cabbage in cooler climates, although your harvest will be a little bit later.
01:04Whether you're in a cool or warm climate, now is the perfect time to get your zucchini
01:08and summer squash in the ground either by seed or transplant.
01:12Just make sure to give those young plants plenty of space to stretch out and grow.
01:16And who knows, if all goes well, you just might become that generous neighbor
01:20who leaves surprise squash hauls on doorsteps.
01:24Once they do start producing, be sure to check your plants daily.
01:27Those fruits can grow fast and might get too big to use before you know it.
01:32If you've been holding off on planting cucumbers, now's the time to get them outside,
01:36whether you're in a cool or warm weather region.
01:39You can plant by seed or transplant, and even though cucumbers love the heat,
01:43your transplants can still go in the ground now.
01:46Just be sure to pick a variety that fits your garden.
01:49Bush types are perfect for smaller spaces and don't need staking,
01:53but vining varieties will need support.
01:55The nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers,
01:59are warm weather lovers and can grow in the ground anywhere from early to mid-May,
02:03depending on your zone, and last expected frost date.
02:06Make sure to wait until after that date before planting them outside.
02:10These plants do not handle cold snaps.
02:12Whether using store-bought seedlings or those that you've grown yourself,
02:16make sure they are hardened off first.
02:18This means to gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions.
02:22Simply place the pots in a semi-shady spot for a few hours,
02:26then bring them back inside.
02:27Over the next week, slowly increase their outdoor exposure
02:31until they're ready to be planted.
02:33Do pair this group of plants with basil and marigolds,
02:36as they make great companions in the garden.
02:38If planting broccoli and cauliflower in May,
02:41be sure to select varieties that are low to bolt and a later season type.
02:45As the month moves on, provide protection from midday heat
02:49and watch for aphids that love both of these plants.
02:52As hot temperatures arrive, your plants will sizzle out,
02:55but a second crop can be planted in the fall for additional harvests.
02:59Herbs are next on the list, and not only are they great companions for the vegetable garden,
03:03but they can add additional flavor to your favorite foods.
03:07May is the perfect time to direct sow seeds and set out plant starts.
03:12Basil, cilantro, sage, and other seedlings can go into the soil after a hardening off period.
03:18With the warm weather settling in, these herbs will take off quickly,
03:22and you could be snipping fresh leaves for your meals in just a few weeks.
03:26If you didn't get your lettuce sown in April, you can still direct sow in May.
03:30Varieties like iceberg, romaine, and regular leaf lettuce do best in cooler weather,
03:36so now's your chance before the heat really kicks in.
03:39For the best results, look for slow to bolt varieties.
03:42And if your afternoons get hot, a little shade can go a long way in keeping your lettuce crisp and
03:48happy.
03:49Beads are super easy to grow, and May is the perfect time to get those seeds in the ground.
03:54They can handle a light frost, which makes them an ideal crop for cooler northern regions.
03:59Plus, there's a huge variety out there, different colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from.
04:04And the best part? Some types are ready to harvest in as little as 50 days.
04:09Carrots are another root crop you'll want to sow in May, just like the beets.
04:13To keep a steady supply coming, try succession sowing.
04:17Plant a little every few weeks.
04:19Carrots are packed with vitamin C and super rewarding to grow, but their seeds are tiny,
04:24so don't forget to thin them out a few weeks after planting to give each one room to grow.
04:30If you're dreaming of homegrown pumpkins for fall or hearty winter squash for cozy meals,
04:35now's the time to plant.
04:37Sow your seeds in May, but be sure your soil is warm, at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit,
04:42so they'll germinate properly.
04:44And don't forget, pumpkins and winter squash need lots of space to sprawl.
04:48Give them plenty of room to stretch out, so they can grow big, healthy fruit by fall.
04:53Radishes are a must for any vegetable garden, plus they're one of the quickest veggies you can grow.
04:58Sow seeds early throughout the growing season, as they can get a little bitter once the weather heats up.
05:03There's a surprising variety to choose from, too, whether you like them mild or with a spicy kick,
05:08and they come in all kinds of colors and sizes.
05:11Melons, like cantaloupe, watermelon, and my personal favorite, honeydew,
05:15should be planted after your last frost date, usually around May, depending on the region.
05:20The great thing about melons is the variety.
05:22From large to small, there is a melon for every person and every garden.
05:26When planting, do keep in mind that melons are heavy feeders,
05:29so make sure to enrich the soil with plenty of nitrogen-rich organic matter to give them the best start.
05:35And if you have too many melons on hand,
05:37one thing I like to do is make homemade fresh fruit popsicles.
05:41Simply place diced melon, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice,
05:44and your sweetener of choice into a blender,
05:46and place into popsicle molds until frozen and ready to enjoy.
05:50I promise they'll be a big hit.
05:53So that's it for this month's planting guide.
05:55There's plenty to get growing this May to ensure a bountiful harvest.
05:59Whether you're starting from seed or adding some transplants,
06:02these tips will help you get the most of your garden.
06:05Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe for more gardening tips.
06:08See you next time and happy planting!
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