Planting calendar
May Planting Guide for Fort Worth, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In May, Fort Worth gardeners can focus on warm-season crops suitable for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. This is an ideal time to plant heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs as the risk of frost has largely passed. Prepare for summer growth by selecting plants that thrive in Texas heat and well-drained soil.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Basil, Cucumbers, Beans (bush and pole)
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Beans (bush and pole)
- Squash
- Melons
Start indoors
- Pumpkins (for late summer transplant)
- Winter squash
- Broccoli (for fall transplant)
- Cauliflower (for fall transplant)
- Cabbage (for fall transplant)
- Kale (for fall transplant)
- Collard greens (for fall transplant)
- Brussels sprouts (for fall transplant)
Avoid
- Lettuce (will bolt quickly in heat)
- Spinach (will bolt quickly in heat)
- Peas (heat sensitive)
- Broccoli (direct sow in May is too late)
- Cauliflower (direct sow in May is too late)
- Potatoes (best planted earlier)
- Carrots (may struggle in hot soil)
- Radishes (may bolt quickly)
- Beets (may bolt quickly)
- Cilantro (will bolt quickly in heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely; increase watering as temperatures rise
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Fertilize warm-season crops with balanced fertilizer
- Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Pinch back basil to encourage bushy growth
- Support tall plants like tomatoes and beans with stakes or cages
- Thin seedlings in raised beds to prevent overcrowding
- Transplant started seedlings of fall crops into larger pots if needed
- Harvest early planted greens before they bolt
- Continue planting heat-tolerant herbs in containers
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in May in Fort Worth?
Yes, May is an excellent time to transplant tomato seedlings into the ground as the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are warm.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in May?
Water daily or as needed to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially as temperatures increase.
Are there any vegetables I should avoid planting in May due to heat?
Yes, cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas tend to bolt quickly or fail in the May heat and should be avoided.
Can I start fall crops indoors in May?
Yes, starting fall crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage indoors in May allows for transplanting in late summer for a successful fall harvest.
What are good herbs to plant in containers in May in Fort Worth?
Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and chives thrive in containers and warm May temperatures.
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