Your May Planting Guide: What to Grow Right Now
May is a time of rapid garden growth in Stafford, KS, as warm temperatures settle in and the risk of frost has passed. Birdhouse, located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, experiences hot summers and cold winters, making this month ideal for planting heat-loving crops while maintaining spring plantings. This guide is tailored specifically for our region, but gardeners in other 6b areas, such as parts of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, can follow similar timelines. If you're in a neighboring zone, like 6a or 7a, slight adjustments based on local conditions may be necessary.
Vegetables to Plant Right Now
With warmer days ahead, May is the time to plant summer crops that thrive in heat.
Tomatoes (Seedlings): Transplant tomato plants outdoors now for a productive summer harvest.
Peppers (Seedlings): Bell peppers, hot peppers, and sweet peppers should be planted now in well-draining soil.
Eggplant (Seedlings): These heat-loving plants should be transplanted in early May for best results.
Squash & Zucchini (Seeds or Seedlings): Direct sow seeds in the garden or transplant seedlings for an early start.
Cucumbers (Seeds or Seedlings): Plant cucumbers now to enjoy crisp, fresh produce in the coming months.
Beans (Seeds): Bush beans and pole beans can be direct-seeded into warm soil for steady production.
Corn (Seeds): Plant corn in blocks rather than single rows to ensure proper pollination.
Okra (Seeds or Seedlings): This Southern favorite thrives in heat and should be planted now for a summer yield.
Herbs to Plant Right Now
Basil (Seeds or Seedlings): This warm-weather herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Dill (Seeds or Seedlings): Direct sow or transplant for fresh herbs to season summer dishes.
Rosemary (Seedlings): Start with transplants, as rosemary is slow to grow from seed.
Oregano & Thyme (Seedlings): These Mediterranean herbs do well in containers or garden beds.
Flowers to Plant Right Now
Annual Flowers (Seeds or Seedlings): Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and petunias bring vibrant color and attract pollinators.
Sunflowers (Seeds): Direct sow sunflower seeds now for beautiful blooms in mid to late summer.
Perennials (Seedlings or Mature Plants): Establish coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and native milkweed now to support pollinators.
Wildflowers (Seeds): Scatter heat-tolerant wildflowers like blanket flower and purple prairie clover to enhance biodiversity.
Garden Preparation Tips for May
Irrigation Setup: As temperatures rise, ensure your plants get enough water by setting up soaker hoses or drip irrigation.
Support Structures: Install trellises or stakes for tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers before they start sprawling.
Pest Monitoring: Watch for early summer pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms, and use organic solutions as needed.
Succession Planting: Continue planting greens, beans, and squash at intervals to extend your harvest.
By focusing on heat-loving crops, maintaining soil health, and keeping an eye on moisture levels, your garden in Stafford, KS, will flourish in the warm months ahead. Happy planting!