May · Late spring
What to sow in May in Birmingham
54 crops are in their window this month in Birmingham — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 29 Apr
First frost≈ 29 Oct
Frost-free days181 days
May averages7°–17°C
Vegetables
37 in season
Artichoke
Start indoors · seedlings need a cold snap to set buds in year one
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Asparagus
Plant crowns · resist harvesting until the second or third spring
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Herbs
14 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Chervil
Direct sow · prefers cool shade, bolts quickly once hot
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Epazote
Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere
Fruit
3 in season
Blueberries
Plant bushes · needs acidic soil and a second variety to pollinate
Ground Cherries
Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery
Strawberries
Plant runners · pinch off first-year flowers for stronger plants