Planting calendar
May Planting Guide for Jacksonville, FL: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In May, Jacksonville gardeners can confidently plant heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on warm-season crops that thrive in the rising temperatures and prepare for the summer heat. This is an ideal time to establish peppers, tomatoes, and herbs for a productive growing season.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Basil, Cucumbers, Southern peas
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Southern peas
- Malabar spinach
- Sweet corn
Start indoors
- Watermelon (if not already started)
- Pumpkins
- Winter squash
- Cantaloupe
- Melons
- Hot peppers (for fall crop)
- Basil (for continuous harvest)
- Okra (for late planting)
- Sweet potatoes slips
- Malabar spinach
Avoid
- Cool-season greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Beets
- Brussels sprouts
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely; increase watering as temperatures rise
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars on young plants
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers with balanced fertilizer
- Thin seedlings in containers and raised beds for better airflow
- Stake or cage tomatoes early to support growth
- Harden off any indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Check soil pH and amend if necessary for optimal nutrient uptake
- Rotate crops to prevent disease buildup
- Harvest early-planted herbs regularly to encourage growth
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in May in Jacksonville?
Yes, May is an ideal time to transplant tomato seedlings into the ground as the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures are warm.
How often should I water raised beds during May?
Water raised beds deeply about 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Are there any heat-sensitive plants I should avoid planting in May?
Avoid cool-season crops like lettuce, broccoli, and peas as they struggle with Jacksonville’s increasing May temperatures.
Can I grow herbs in containers during May?
Yes, herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme thrive in containers during May and benefit from regular watering and sunlight.
Should I fertilize my container plants in May?
Yes, container plants often need more frequent feeding; use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for best results.
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