Planting calendar
May Planting Guide for San Jose, CA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In May, San Jose gardeners can plant warm-season vegetables and herbs directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground. Focus on heat-tolerant crops and continue transplanting seedlings started indoors earlier in spring. Avoid planting frost-sensitive crops too late in shady or cooler microclimates.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Basil, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Beans, Melons
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Melons
Start indoors
- Winter squash
- Pumpkins
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli (for late summer transplant)
- Cauliflower (for late summer transplant)
Avoid
- Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach (bolt risk in heat)
- Peas (too warm to thrive)
- Potatoes (late planting reduces yield)
- Brassicas (direct sowing now may bolt)
- Root crops like carrots (slow germination in heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings for transplant
- Mulch raised beds to retain moisture
- Monitor soil moisture closely in containers
- Start succession planting beans and cucumbers
- Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in May in San Jose?
Yes, May is ideal for transplanting tomato seedlings outdoors as soil and air temperatures are warm enough to support growth.
Should I water raised beds differently than containers in May?
Containers dry out faster, so they may need daily watering, while raised beds generally require watering every 2-3 days depending on weather.
Is it too late to start cool-season crops in May?
Generally yes; cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach tend to bolt quickly in May's warming temperatures in San Jose.
How do I prevent pests in my May garden?
Regularly inspect plants, use organic insecticidal soaps if needed, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Can I grow herbs in containers during May?
Absolutely, herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme thrive in containers with good drainage and full sun during May.
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