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What to plant in May in zone 5b

362 crops to start indoors, direct sow, transplant, or harvest in May in USDA hardiness zone 5b. Typical last spring frost around May 1, 2026, first fall frost around Oct 12, 2026 — exact dates vary by location within the zone.

Want exact May dates for your address in zone 5b, a drag-and-drop bed layout, and sowing reminders? Enter your ZIP:

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Start indoors

Sow these under lights or on a windowsill now for transplants later.

Direct sow outside

Sow these straight into the garden bed this month.

Transplant outdoors

Move these hardened-off seedlings into the garden.

Plant out

Set out these crops (sets, tubers, or starts) now.

Keep going

Timings use NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for a representative location (Beloit, WI) in zone 5b, computed with the same engine as GardenDraft’s in-app schedule. Guidance, not guarantees — your exact dates depend on your address.