Planting calendar
May Planting Guide for San Diego Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In May, San Diego's mild climate allows you to plant warm-season vegetables and herbs directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. Focus on heat-tolerant crops and continue planting herbs and flowers suited for the warmer weather. Avoid frost-sensitive plants that need cooler temperatures.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Basil, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Green beans, Sweet potatoes
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
- Sweet potatoes
- Sunflowers
- Marigolds
Start indoors
- Winter squash
- Melons
- Pumpkins
- Corn
- Okra
- Chili peppers
- Herbs like dill and cilantro
- Tomatillos
- Sweet corn
- Watermelon
Avoid
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas
- Spinach
- Lettuce (heat sensitive varieties)
- Kale (in hot spots)
- Radishes (bolting risk)
- Carrots (slow growth in heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely; increase watering as temperatures rise
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds
- Thin seedlings in raised beds and containers to prevent overcrowding
- Fertilize warm-season crops with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
- Watch for pests like aphids and whiteflies; treat early
- Support vining plants like cucumbers and tomatoes with stakes or trellises
- Pinch back herbs to encourage bushier growth
- Harvest early crops like lettuce and radishes before heat stress
- Rotate crops in in-ground beds to reduce disease buildup
- Check container drainage regularly to avoid root rot
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in my raised beds in May?
Yes, May is ideal for planting tomatoes directly in raised beds in San Diego, as the risk of frost is minimal and temperatures support healthy growth.
How often should I water my container plants during May?
Water container plants daily or as needed to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially as temperatures increase in May.
Are there any vegetables I should avoid planting in May due to heat?
Avoid cool-season vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce, as they tend to bolt or struggle in the warmer May temperatures.
Is it necessary to fertilize plants in May?
Yes, fertilizing warm-season crops every 3-4 weeks helps maintain nutrient levels for vigorous growth during the active growing season.
Can I start seeds indoors for fall planting in May?
Starting seeds indoors for fall crops like winter squash and pumpkins in May gives them a head start for transplanting later in the season.
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