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Seasonal guide
Amérique du Nord / États-Unis / Virginia

What to plant in Virginia in May

May in Virginia marks the transition to full warm-season gardening as average temperatures reach 18.9°C and frost risk diminishes. With June and July forecasts showing significant warming (t_max 30-31.9°C), this is the critical window for establishing heat-loving crops while soil moisture remains relatively high from spring rains.

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Sowing

Recommended sowing

8 options
  • Sweet Corn

    Sweet Corn

    Direct sow outdoors once soil is consistently above 15°C; plant in blocks for pollination.

  • Bush Beans

    Bush Beans

    Direct sow every two weeks for a staggered harvest throughout the summer.

  • Zucchini

    Zucchini

    Direct sow in hills or mounds; ensure good spacing for airflow.

  • Cucumber

    Cucumber

    Direct sow or start in biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance.

  • Okra

    Okra

    Soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination rates.

  • Sunflowers

    Sunflowers

    Direct sow; very hardy against late spring temperature fluctuations.

  • Watermelon

    Watermelon

    Direct sow in warm soil; requires significant space for vine spread.

  • Basil

    Basil

    Direct sow or transplant; sensitive to any remaining cold snaps.

Seedlings

Seedlings

4 options
  • Tomato

    Tomato

    Transplant deep into the soil to encourage adventitious root growth.

  • Bell Pepper

    Bell Pepper

    Transplant only when night temperatures are reliably above 12°C.

  • Eggplant

    Eggplant

    Use row covers if flea beetles are present in early May.

  • Sweet Potato

    Sweet Potato

    Plant slips in ridges to ensure good drainage during June rains.

Tasks

Monthly tasks

Apply organic mulch (straw or shredded leaves) to conserve May's 97.8mm of rainfall for the drier June ahead. Monitor for pests like Colorado Potato Beetle and Squash Bugs as activity increases with the t_avg rising to 18.9°C. Support tall plants like tomatoes and peppers early to prevent storm damage.