Planting in May is a race against the clock—and some vegetables just can’t keep up. Zone 7 might seem like a gardening sweet spot, but even here, May can be sneaky. Some crops are begging to hit the soil right now. Others? Missed their window and are better left for next season (unless you like heartbreak and sad, stunted plants). This month is all about smart choices, quick moves, and knowing which veggies still have a fighting chance. Get it right, and you’ll feast like royalty all summer. Get it wrong, and you’ll be stuck explaining to your neighbors why your garden looks like a cautionary tale. Let’s make sure your May planting list is full of winners. Ready? Let’s dig in.
Arugula
Arugula, with its peppery flavor, adds zest to any salad. In Zone 7, May is ideal for planting this leafy green. Its rapid growth means you can enjoy fresh leaves in just a few weeks. The vibrant green leaves have a distinct, spicy taste that pairs well with other salad greens. Plant arugula in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight to ensure vigorous growth.
This nutritious plant is not only easy to grow but also highly rewarding. Whether you enjoy it in salads or as a garnish, arugula is a must-have for spring gardens.
Arugula’s adaptability makes it a favorite among gardeners, thriving even in less-than-ideal conditions. Its tender leaves offer a delightful crunch, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Beets
With a rich, earthy flavor, beets are a versatile root vegetable. May is perfect for sowing beets in Zone 7, where they quickly establish in the warming soil. Their deep red hue adds color to dishes and gardens alike. Plant them in loose, fertile soil, and thin seedlings to give roots space to grow.
Beets are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They thrive in sunny spots, reaching maturity in about 50 to 70 days. Both roots and greens are edible, offering a dual harvest.
For a splash of color and flavor in your garden, beets are an excellent choice. Their robust growth and minimal maintenance make them a gardener’s delight.
Carrots
Carrots, known for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture, are best planted in May for Zone 7. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, and ensure it’s free of rocks for straight growth. The carrot tops are bright green, adding a touch of freshness to your garden bed.
In about 70 to 80 days, you’ll have vibrant orange carrots ready for harvest. These root vegetables are not only tasty but filled with vitamins. Enjoy them raw, cooked, or juiced for a healthy treat.
Carrots symbolize patience and reward, as they require time to develop their full flavor underground. You’ll be rewarded with a nutritional powerhouse that’s a staple in many cuisines.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a staple for any salad lover, offering a crisp and refreshing taste. May is the perfect time to plant it in Zone 7. With various types available, you can enjoy a range of flavors and textures. Let the sunlight touch its delicate leaves to enhance growth and taste.
Plant lettuce in well-drained soil, keeping it moist to prevent bitterness. It’s a fast-growing crop, allowing multiple harvests throughout the season. The vibrant greens of lettuce brighten any garden and plate.
Whether you prefer romaine, butterhead, or iceberg, lettuce is a versatile vegetable that can transform simple meals into gourmet dishes. Its ease of cultivation makes it ideal for beginners and experts alike.
Spinach
Spinach, with its dark green leaves, is a powerhouse of nutrients. May is an excellent time to plant spinach in Zone 7, taking advantage of the warm days and cool nights. Its robust leaves can be harvested in as little as 40 days, providing a fast and nutritious crop.
Plant spinach in well-draining soil and water regularly. It’s tolerant of light frost and thrives in partial shade, offering flexibility in garden placement.
The deep green of spinach leaves is not only visually appealing but also indicative of its health benefits. From salads to smoothies, spinach is a versatile ingredient cherished worldwide for its flavor and nutrition.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers bring a cool, refreshing taste to summer meals. May is prime time for planting cucumbers in Zone 7, providing the warmth needed for vigorous growth. These climbing vines produce elongated, green fruits that are both delicious and hydrating.
Select a sunny location and provide a trellis for support. Cucumbers grow quickly, often ready for harvest in 50 to 70 days. They’re a low-calorie treat, perfect for salads, pickles, or as a snack.
The cucumber’s crisp texture and subtle flavor make it an easy favorite. Its sprawling vines add charm to gardens, while its fruits offer a delightful crunch that captures the essence of summer.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile summer squash known for its mild flavor. In Zone 7, May is ideal for planting zucchini, as it thrives in warm weather. The plant’s large leaves and bright yellow flowers are a beautiful sight in any garden.
With rapid growth, zucchini can be harvested within 40 to 55 days. It requires ample space, sunlight, and consistent watering to flourish. Whether grilled, baked, or sautéed, zucchini is a culinary favorite.
This prolific producer ensures a bountiful harvest all summer long. Its tender flesh and subtle taste make it a kitchen staple, providing endless culinary possibilities.
Green Beans
Green beans are a garden classic, offering a crisp texture and sweet flavor. May is the perfect time to plant them in Zone 7, as they thrive in warm temperatures. Their bushy plants and delicate white flowers add beauty to any garden.
Plant green beans in well-drained soil, and provide support if growing pole varieties. They mature quickly, often ready for harvest in 50 to 60 days. Enjoy them fresh, steamed, or in casseroles.
Green beans are not only nutritious but also versatile. Their tender pods provide a delightful crunch, making them a favorite among home gardeners and chefs alike.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens, known for their juicy flavor and vibrant color. May is an excellent month to plant tomatoes in Zone 7, as they love the warm weather and long days. The sight of red tomatoes ripening on the vine is a gardener’s delight.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, and provide sturdy support for the plants. Tomatoes thrive with regular watering and fertilization, leading to a bountiful harvest.
Whether you prefer cherry, beefsteak, or heirloom varieties, tomatoes offer endless possibilities in the kitchen. From fresh salads to rich sauces, their sweet and tangy taste enhances any dish.
Peppers
Peppers, with their vibrant colors and bold flavors, are a must-have for any garden. May is the ideal time to plant peppers in Zone 7, taking advantage of the warming temperatures. The glossy skin of green and red peppers adds visual appeal to garden plots.
Plant peppers in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They require consistent watering and benefit from additional nutrients throughout the growing season. Both sweet and hot varieties mature in 60 to 90 days.
Peppers are a culinary delight, offering a spicy kick or sweet crunch to dishes. Their versatility and vivid colors make them a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
Radishes
Radishes are a quick-growing root vegetable known for their spicy bite. In Zone 7, May is a great time to plant them, allowing for a swift harvest. Their bright red bulbs and leafy tops are a cheerful addition to garden beds.
Plant radishes in loose, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight. These hardy plants mature in as little as 20 to 30 days, offering a rapid reward for gardeners.
Enjoy radishes fresh in salads or as a crunchy snack. Their bold flavor and vibrant color make them a standout ingredient, perfect for adding zest to any dish.
Eggplants
Eggplants are a versatile vegetable, celebrated for their creamy texture and rich flavor. May is the perfect month to plant them in Zone 7, as they flourish in warm conditions. The glossy purple fruits provide a striking contrast against their green leaves.
Plant eggplants in sunny, well-drained locations, and provide support as they grow. They require regular watering and thrive with added nutrients. Eggplants are typically ready for harvest in 70 to 85 days.
Whether grilled, baked, or in stews, eggplants offer endless culinary possibilities. Their unique texture and taste make them a beloved ingredient in various global cuisines.
Corn
Corn is a classic summer crop, cherished for its sweet kernels. In Zone 7, May is the ideal time to plant corn, ensuring a full season of growth. The sight of tall stalks swaying in the breeze is synonymous with summer.
Plant corn in blocks to ensure proper pollination, and provide full sunlight and fertile soil. It requires regular watering and benefits from additional nutrients as it grows.
Corn is ready to harvest in about 70 to 100 days. Whether grilled, boiled, or fresh off the cob, corn’s sweet taste and juicy texture make it a favorite for summer meals.
Okra
Okra is a heat-loving vegetable celebrated for its unique texture and flavor. In Zone 7, May is perfect for planting okra, as it thrives in warm conditions. The plant’s green pods and large leaves add lushness to the garden.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for planting. Okra requires regular watering and benefits from consistent warmth and sunlight. Harvest pods when they are young and tender.
Okra is a staple in Southern cuisine, known for its versatility in dishes like gumbo and stews. Its distinct taste and texture make it a cherished addition to gardens and kitchens alike.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable, valued for its rich flavor and health benefits. In Zone 7, May is too late for starting broccoli, as it prefers cooler temperatures. The plant’s tight green heads need early spring planting to develop properly.
If planting this late, consider starting indoors or use transplants to extend the season. Broccoli thrives in fertile soil with consistent moisture.
Despite the timing challenges, broccoli’s health benefits make it worth the effort. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal, offering a satisfying crunch and flavor.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable, known for its mild flavor and creamy texture. For Zone 7, planting in May is too late for cauliflower, as it struggles in the heat. This cool-season crop should be started earlier to ensure healthy growth.
If still planting, use transplants and provide shade to protect from sun. Fertile, well-drained soil is essential.
Despite the late start, cauliflower remains a favorite due to its culinary versatility. Whether roasted, steamed, or mashed, it’s an adaptable ingredient that complements a variety of dishes.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a tasty winter vegetable, known for their unique appearance and flavor. May is too late for planting in Zone 7, as they prefer a long growing season that begins in early spring. The cool-weather loving plants struggle in summer heat.
If attempting a late start, transplants are recommended, but risks include stunted growth. Rich, well-drained soil and consistent watering are crucial.
Despite timing challenges, Brussels sprouts’ distinct taste makes them a sought-after veggie. Whether roasted or sautéed, their flavor deepens with cooler fall temperatures.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a hearty vegetable, beloved for its crunchy texture and versatility. In Zone 7, May is too late for planting cabbage, as it requires cooler weather to thrive. Early spring planting ensures robust growth and full heads.
If trying a late planting, consider using transplants and shading strategies to mitigate heat. Cabbage demands rich soil and consistent moisture.
Even with planting challenges, cabbage’s versatility in cuisines makes it popular. From slaws to stews, its firm texture and mild flavor offer endless culinary possibilities.
Kale
Kale, with its curly leaves, is a nutritious green known for its earthy taste. May is too late for starting kale in Zone 7, better suited for cooler months. Early planting ensures tender leaves and robust growth.
Consider using transplants for a late planting but expect smaller yields. Kale thrives in fertile soil with regular watering.
Although timing is tricky, kale’s health benefits make it worthwhile. Packed with vitamins, it’s a favorite in salads, smoothies, and soups, offering a rich, hearty flavor.
Peas
Peas are a delightful spring vegetable, cherished for their sweet flavor. May is too late for planting peas in Zone 7, as they prefer cooler temperatures for best results. The tender plants require early spring sowing to thrive.
Late planting may result in poor growth and low yields, even if using transplants. Peas need rich soil and regular moisture.
Despite the challenge, peas remain a gardener’s favorite for their sweet taste and crunchy texture. Whether fresh, shelled, or in pods, they bring a burst of flavor to meals.