What to Plant in May

May is a beautiful reset month in Australian food gardens. Across much of the country, the heat has eased, the soil is still holding warmth, and cool season crops can settle in before winter really arrives. In northern Australia, May marks the start of one of the most productive growing windows of the year, with the dry season opening the door to tomatoes, leafy greens, herbs and many classic veg patch favourites.

What to plant in May in Australia depends heavily on climate zone. A May planting list for Hobart, Canberra or the Blue Mountains looks very different to one for Darwin, Cairns or the Top End. For most southern and inland gardeners, this is the month for leafy greens, brassicas, peas, broad beans, root crops and herbs. For tropical and savannah gardeners, May is prime time to grow many vegetables that struggle during the wet season.

Here’s a climate zone guide to help you plant with confidence.

Cool Temperate

Cool temperate gardeners are heading firmly into late autumn, so May is about choosing hardy crops that can handle cold nights and slower growth.

Leafy greens

Plant lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, mizuna, mustard greens and endive. These crops are well suited to cool conditions and can be harvested leaf by leaf through the season.

Roots

Carrot, beetroot, radish, turnip and swede can all go in now. Radishes are especially handy for quick wins, while carrots and swedes need deeper, well-prepared soil.

Brassicas

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale are strong May choices. Seedlings are often the easiest option now, especially in colder districts where growth will slow heading into winter.

Legumes

Broad beans, peas and snow peas are ideal cool-season crops. Give peas a trellis or mesh support from the start so they can climb as they grow.

Herbs

Parsley, coriander and chives are good choices for May. Plant them somewhere with decent light and keep young plants protected from heavy frost.

May tip

Prioritise frost protection for young seedlings. A simple cloche, mini tunnel or sheltered spot can make a big difference during cold snaps.

Warm Temperate

Warm temperate gardens have a generous May planting window. The heat has dropped, but the soil is usually still warm enough to get winter crops established.

Leafy greens

Plant lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, rocket and Asian greens. These are useful crops for regular picking and suit small gardens, raised beds and pots.

Roots

Carrot, beetroot, radish, turnip and parsnip can be planted now. Keep seed beds evenly moist while germination gets underway.

Brassicas

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Chinese cabbage are all solid choices for May. Plant into compost-rich soil and give them room for airflow.

Legumes

Broad beans, peas and snow peas can be sown now. These are productive, beginner-friendly crops and are excellent for filling beds after summer crops finish.

Herbs

Coriander, parsley, chives and dill are all useful May herbs. Coriander is far less likely to bolt now than it was during summer.

May tip

Remove finished tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchinis, then refresh the soil before planting winter crops. A layer of compost and mulch will set the bed up beautifully.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean climates, including places like Perth and Adelaide, shift into a more forgiving planting season in May. Cooler temperatures and increasing rain make this an excellent time for winter vegetables.

Leafy greens

Plant lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, rocket and Asian greens. These crops love the cooler conditions and can be grown in succession for ongoing harvests.

Roots

Carrot, beetroot, radish, turnip and onion are good May choices. Avoid adding too much fresh manure before sowing carrots, as rich or lumpy soil can cause forked roots.

Brassicas

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts can be planted now. Seedlings will give you a head start as the weather cools.

Legumes

Broad beans, peas and snow peas are excellent Mediterranean-climate crops for May. Sow them into sunny beds with a climbing frame or support.

Herbs

Coriander, parsley, chives and dill can all be planted now. Keep them close to the kitchen for easy picking.

May tip

This is a great month to use seasonal rain to your advantage. Plant before forecast showers and water seedlings in well so roots settle quickly.

Arid

Arid gardens can be very productive in May. The extreme heat has eased, but gardeners still need to manage dry air, big temperature swings and limited rainfall.

Leafy greens

Plant lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, rocket and Asian greens. Choose a spot with morning sun and some protection from harsh afternoon exposure if your days are still warm.

Roots

Carrot, beetroot, radish, turnip and onion can be planted now. Consistent moisture is important while seeds germinate.

Brassicas

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale are suitable May plantings in many arid gardens. Use seedlings if you want a stronger start.

Legumes

Broad beans, peas and snow peas are good choices where nights are cool but not brutally frosty. Provide support early and mulch around plants.

Herbs

Coriander, parsley and chives can all go in now. Coriander is particularly well suited to the cooler part of the year.

May tip

Mulch is your best mate in May. It helps protect roots from temperature swings and reduces evaporation between watering.

Savannah

In savannah climates, May is a major seasonal turning point. The wet season is easing and the dry season is beginning, which makes it one of the best times of year to plant a food garden.

Leafy greens

Plant lettuce, silverbeet, Asian greens, rocket and spinach. These crops generally perform better now than in the intense wet-season humidity.

Roots

Carrot, beetroot, radish, spring onion and onion can be planted in May. Choose friable soil and keep watering steady during germination.

Brassicas

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Chinese cabbage can be grown through the cooler dry season. Good airflow helps reduce disease.

Fruiting plants

Tomato, capsicum, chilli, eggplant and cucumber can be planted now. These crops enjoy the warmth but appreciate the lower humidity of the dry season.

Legumes

Beans and snake beans are good warm-climate choices. Plant into improved soil and keep young plants watered as dry conditions build.

Herbs

Coriander, parsley, basil and chives can all be planted. Coriander is often easier now than during hotter, wetter months.

May tip

After the wet season, soil nutrients may have leached away. Add compost before planting and use liquid feeds to support hungry crops.

Subtropical

Subtropical gardens get the best of both worlds in May. You can plant cool-season crops while still growing some warm-season favourites in protected, sunny spots.

Leafy greens

Plant lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, rocket and Asian greens. These are reliable choices for steady autumn and winter harvests.

Roots

Carrot, beetroot, radish, turnip and spring onion can all go in now. Radish and spring onion are especially good for quick harvests.

Brassicas

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Chinese cabbage are strong May plantings. Keep an eye out for caterpillars while daytime temperatures remain mild.

Fruiting plants

Tomato, capsicum, chilli and eggplant can still be planted in warm, frost-free subtropical areas. Choose sunny, well-drained positions.

Legumes

Beans, peas and snow peas can be planted now. Peas prefer the cooler conditions, while beans suit warmer pockets.

Herbs

Coriander, parsley, basil, dill and chives are all useful May herbs. Coriander and dill are especially good as temperatures ease.

May tip

Subtropical May is a transition month. Keep planting winter crops, but don’t forget to harvest and tidy late summer plants as they slow down.

Tropical

For tropical gardeners, May is the start of serious veg-growing season. The wet season is easing, humidity is dropping, and many crops become easier to manage.

Leafy greens

Plant lettuce, silverbeet, Asian greens, rocket and amaranth. Asian greens are especially reliable in warm tropical gardens.

Roots

Carrot, beetroot, radish and spring onion can be planted now. Raised beds or containers can help if your soil stays heavy after rain.

Brassicas

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage and kale can be planted in suitable tropical dry season conditions. Choose healthy seedlings and give plants good spacing.

Fruiting plants

Tomato, capsicum, chilli, eggplant and cucumber are good May options. Plant them where they get sun, airflow and reliable watering.

Legumes

Beans and snake beans are productive choices for tropical gardens. Give climbing varieties support early.

Herbs

Coriander, parsley, basil and chives can all be planted now. This is a much better window for coriander than the steamy wet season.

May tip

Focus on airflow. Wider spacing, pruning and morning watering will help reduce fungal problems as the season shifts.

Keep growing with the season

May is a great month to get your garden back into rhythm. Whether you’re tucking broad beans into a cool temperate bed, planting brassicas in a Mediterranean garden, or starting tomatoes in the tropical dry season, the key is matching your crops to your climate.

For more seasonal confidence, Grow It Local+ gives home growers ongoing support, heirloom seed inspiration, monthly workshops and practical horticultural help when you need it.