Planting calendar
May Planting Guide for Washington, DC: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In May, Washington, DC gardeners can confidently plant warm-season vegetables and flowers outdoors in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This is the ideal time to transplant seedlings started indoors and sow heat-loving crops directly. Focus on tomatoes, peppers, beans, and herbs for a productive growing season.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans (bush and pole), Cucumbers, Squash, Eggplants, Basil, Marigolds
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Beans (bush and pole)
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Sweet potatoes
Start indoors
- Late-season broccoli
- Cabbage for fall harvest
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Collards
- Celery
- Herbs like parsley and cilantro
Avoid
- Cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach (may bolt in heat)
- Peas (prefer early spring)
- Root crops like carrots and beets (better earlier or later)
- Potatoes (plant earlier in spring)
- Frost-sensitive seedlings without protection
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Begin regular watering schedule
- Watch for pests like aphids and tomato hornworms
- Support tall plants with stakes or cages
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers with balanced fertilizer
- Thin seedlings if overcrowded
- Harden off any remaining indoor seedlings
- Monitor soil temperature for seed germination
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in May in DC?
Yes, May is ideal for transplanting tomatoes outdoors in Washington, DC after the last frost date.
Should I start peppers indoors or plant outside in May?
Peppers can be started indoors earlier and transplanted in May, or purchased as seedlings to plant directly.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in May?
Lettuce may bolt quickly in May’s heat, so it’s better to plant it earlier in spring or wait until fall.
How often should I water container plants in May?
Water containers daily or when the top inch of soil feels dry, as they dry out faster than in-ground beds.
What are good companion plants for tomatoes in raised beds?
Basil, marigolds, and onions are great companions that can help deter pests and improve tomato growth.
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