Planting calendar
May Planting Guide for San Jose, CA: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
May in San Jose is ideal for planting warm-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Focus on heat-tolerant crops and continue starting some plants indoors for later transplanting. Avoid frost-sensitive plants early in the month and monitor soil moisture carefully as temperatures rise.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Basil, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Beans, Corn
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Corn
- Melons
- Sweet potatoes
Start indoors
- Winter squash
- Pumpkins
- Okra
- Sweet corn (for late summer transplant)
- Herbs like dill and cilantro
Avoid
- Cool-season greens like spinach and lettuce (will bolt quickly)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas
- Root crops like carrots and radishes (slow growth in heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots
- Start trellising cucumbers and beans as they grow
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in May?
Yes, May is a great time to transplant tomato seedlings outdoors in San Jose, as the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures are warm.
How often should I water container plants in May?
Water container plants daily or when the top inch of soil feels dry, as containers dry out faster in warm weather.
Is it too late to start lettuce in May?
Lettuce tends to bolt quickly in warm temperatures, so it's best to avoid planting it outdoors in May in San Jose.
What are good companion plants for peppers in raised beds?
Basil, onions, and marigolds are good companions that can help deter pests and improve growth for peppers.
Should I fertilize my garden in May?
Yes, apply a balanced fertilizer or compost to support the rapid growth of warm-season crops during this time.
Next steps
Get a personalized planting plan
Answer a few questions and generate a plan for your exact location and setup.
Build your garden shopping list
Get a starter kit checklist for what you want to grow (with optional links).
Ask the Gardener
Get quick answers and next-step guidance for your garden.
Want this page for a different city? Try the tool and enter your ZIP: Plant this month.