Home » Desert Gardening » Monthly Guides

What to Plant in May in Arizona

Wondering what to plant in May in Arizona? May can be a tricky month—some years, spring weather lingers a little longer, while other years, the heat shows up early. Either way, it’s important to get your warm-season crops and flowers planted as soon as possible. The earlier you plant, the better chance your garden has to establish strong roots before the hottest weather arrives.

In this post, I share my top choices for vegetables, herbs, and flowers to plant this month, along with tips to help your summer garden get off to a strong start.

Plant with confidence—every month!
Gardening in the low desert can be tricky, but you’re not alone. My monthly planting guides are made for gardeners in Phoenix, Tucson, and anywhere below 3,500 feet. Know what to plant, when to plant it, and how to keep growing strong all year long.

Want even more detailed help?
For a full planting calendar and month-by-month guidance, check out my Arizona Planting Calendars and Guides.

Tip:
Looking for garden tasks to stay on track this month? Check out my Arizona Garden in May blog post and grab the free printable checklist!

---

Article Outline:

• May YouTube Videos
• Tips for a Successful Garden in May
• Vegetables, herbs & fruit to plant outside in the low desert in May
• Vegetables, herbs & fruit seeds to plant indoors in the low desert in May
• Flowers to plant in the low desert in May
• Flower seeds to start indoors in the low desert in May

---

May YouTube Videos

---

Tips for a Successful Garden in May

Planting in May can be a little tricky, but a few simple habits can make a big difference. Here’s what I focus on to give my garden the best chance for success as the weather heats up:

Tip #1 – Build up your soil

Good soil is the foundation of everything. Fill your beds all the way up and top with compost and worm castings when you plant. If you have in-bed vermicomposting bins like I do, now’s a great time to harvest the castings—they’re like a natural superfood for your garden.
Learn how to make and use an in-bed worm bin.

---

Tip #2 – Water the right way

Once plants are settled, water deeply and less often. This pushes roots deeper, where the soil stays cooler and more stable—something your plants will appreciate when the real heat hits.

I use Garden Grids from Garden in Minutes in my raised beds for even watering. (Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or ANGELA for 7% off any size order.)

See how to water your garden deeply and efficiently.

---

Plant early, mulch well, and water deep—your summer garden will thank you.

---

Tip #3 – Use shade to your advantage

Some plants really struggle in full summer sun, so don’t be afraid to add shade where you need it. Look for natural afternoon shade in your yard, and plant accordingly.
Check which crops need summer shade—and which ones don’t.

---

Tip #4 – Mulch, mulch, mulch

Mulch is one of the best things you can do for a summer garden. It keeps soil cooler, holds in moisture, and protects your plants from the worst of the heat. If you have watering grids, mulch right over them for best results. Double-check your watering times—you may need to water a little longer if the grids are on top of the mulch.
Learn the best ways to mulch your garden.

---

Tip #5 – Stay involved

Gardens grow fast in May, and problems can too. Spend a few minutes in the garden each day to spot any pests, check watering systems, and stay ahead of potential issues.
Follow my Daily Garden Checklist to stay organized.

---

Want more tips for growing in Arizona? Check out my 7 Tips for Growing a Vegetable Garden in Arizona.

---

Vegetables, herbs & fruit to plant in the low desert in May

May is the time to plant vegetables, herbs, and fruit that love the heat. Most can be started from seed, which keeps things affordable. Try to plant early in the month so your garden has time to get established before the hottest weather arrives.

(Click the link to read “How to Grow” articles on my website.)

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed / T= Transplant

---

Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Planting Guide for the Low Desert of Arizona

---

Vegetable, herb & fruit seeds to start indoors in May

These are warm-season crops you can start indoors in May if you’re not ready to plant outside or want a second round of planting later. It’s also the perfect time to start seeds for monsoon tomatoes and peppers, so they’ll be ready for August’s planting window.

(Click the link for seed sources.)

---

Flowers to plant in the low desert in May

Don’t forget the flowers—even if you’re mostly a vegetable gardener. Flowers add beauty, attract pollinators, and help your garden stay productive through the summer.

(Click the links to read “How to Grow” articles for each one.)

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed / T= Transplant

---

Flower seeds to start indoors in the low desert in May

These heat-loving flowers can be started indoors in May and planted out once they’re a bit bigger. Starting them now gives you strong, healthy plants ready to bloom through the hottest months.

(Click the link for seed sources.)

---

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

---

Further Reading:

• Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide helps you learn when to plant vegetables in Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.
• Arizona Flower Planting Guide helps you learn when to plant flowers in Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.
• Arizona Herb Planting Guide features pictures and planting dates for nearly 40 herbs that thrive in the low desert of Arizona.

---

Was this post helpful? If you found this guide on what to plant in May in Arizona useful, please share it with a fellow gardener or on social media—it really helps!