What to Plant in May in Arizona: Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers

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, May planting in the low desert is about choosing true heat-lovers and getting them established before the brutal heat arrives.

In this post, I’ll share my top choices for vegetables, herbs, and flowers to plant in May, along with tips to help them survive the transition into summer. If you’re starting your very first Arizona garden, I’ll also explain why waiting until fall may give you a much easier start.

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! Want more step-by-step guidance?

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.

Starting Your First Arizona Garden in May?

If this is your very first garden in Arizona, May isn’t the easiest time to begin. You can still plant heat-loving crops, but the margin for error is smaller as temperatures rise.

If you’re brand new and feeling overwhelmed, consider using summer to plan your garden instead. Decide where your garden will go, observe the sun and shade in your yard, choose or order raised beds, think through your watering setup, and make a plan for what you’ll plant in fall.

I would wait to add fresh soil until you’re closer to planting. Good raised bed soil is an investment, and in the low desert, I’d rather fill beds with fresh soil in the fall than let soil die during the hottest part of summer.

Fall is usually a much more forgiving time to plant your first Arizona garden. The weather is cooling, plants are less stressed, and your chances of success go way up when you start with the season on your side.

If you want help planning your first garden step by step, my online course, 30 Days to Your First Desert Garden, walks you through choosing the best location, setting up your raised bed, planning your watering, and knowing what to plant when the timing is right.

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, then top them with compost and worm castings when you plant. If you have in-bed vermicomposting bins like I do, harvest the castings and use them to feed your beds. Learn how to make and use an in-bed worm bin.

Tip #2 – Water the right way

New seedlings need water more often. I use a shower attachment on my garden hose to give them more frequent water. Once I start to see new growth, I know the roots are growing out into the soil, and they can start to build up some resiliency. This is when I water deeply and less often.This pushes roots deeper, where the soil stays cooler. See how to water your garden deeply and efficiently.

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.)

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. Plant branching sunflowers outside your beds to provide natural living shade.
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. If you’re not mulching, you’re making gardening harder than it needs to be. I add a thick layer (3-5 inches) to everything. I mulch on top of my watering grids so the water doesn’t have to go through the mulch first.
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. I like to go out each morning and even when I think there’s nothing to do, I always find a few things that need my attention.
Follow my Daily Garden Checklist to stay organized.

For May’s complete planting list and task list, learn more about the Low Desert Garden Planner or buy it in my shop.

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

What you may be harvesting in May

May harvests can vary a lot depending on when you planted, your microclimate, and how quickly the heat arrives. Looking back at my own garden journal from May 2025, I harvested a mix of late spring crops, warm-season vegetables, herbs, and fruit.

In my Mesa garden, May harvests included corn, beans, zucchini, butternut squash, cucumbers, tomatoes of all sizes, peppers, ground cherries, garlic, onions, I’itoi onions, Swiss chard, strawberries, mulberries, peaches, Barbados cherries, Valencia oranges, lemons, and plenty of herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, lovage, and lemon verbena.

Your list may look different, and that’s normal. May is often a transition month in the low desert. Some spring crops are finishing, warm-season crops are starting to produce, and fruit trees may be ripening depending on the variety and your yard.

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.

The crops on this list are true heat lovers, but planting basics still matter. If you’re in the middle of a heat wave, hold off on planting outside. If you’re wondering about the best seeds to direct sow in summer, this guide shares 12 heat-loving crops that grow well from seed and help you skip expensive transplants.

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

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

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.)

For more trusted varieties that grow well season after season, visit my favorite seeds.

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. Flowers in my summer garden give me a reason to go outside, even when it’s hot.

(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.)

FAQ for What to Plant in May in Arizona

Resources That Can Help

For a full planting calendar and month-by-month guidance, check out my Arizona Planting Calendars and Guides which includes this yearly planting calendar. Want more step-by-step guidance? Take one of my online or in-person gardening classes.