May · Late spring
What to sow in May in Tokyo
35 crops are in their window this month in Tokyo — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 8 Mar
First frost≈ 18 Dec
Frost-free days231 days
May averages15°–25°C
Vegetables
27 in season
Amaranth Greens
Direct sow · pinch tips often for a steady flush of tender greens
Armenian Cucumber
Direct sow · wait for warm soil; trellis for straighter fruit
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Herbs
5 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Epazote
Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere
Fenugreek (Methi)
Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more
Rosemary
Transplant seedlings · germinates slowly, cuttings are far more reliable
Fruit
3 in season
Ground Cherries
Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery
Melon (Cantaloupe)
Direct sow · warm soil is key; try black plastic mulch to help
Watermelon
Direct sow · give vines plenty of room and consistent water