Spring Gardening Tips from The Kitchen Garden Playschool
Ah, May! That magical moment when the garden explodes with color, the bees are buzzing, and everything feels alive. If you’re in Zone 8, this is your green light to get digging, planting, and soaking in the joy of spring gardening.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, here’s your cheerful checklist of what to plant in May and the essential garden chores for May to keep your garden thriving.
🌱 What to Plant in May (Zone 8)
May is the perfect time to tuck those heat-loving plants into the soil. Here’s what to grow in your garden this month:
🥕 Vegetables
- Tomatoes (start with strong transplants)
- Peppers (bell, jalapeño, banana – you name it!)
- Eggplants
- Green beans
- Cucumbers
- Summer squash and zucchini
- Melons (watermelon and cantaloupe love the warmth!)
- Corn
🌿 Herbs
- Basil (a must for pesto lovers)
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Chives
🌸 Flowers
- Zinnias, sunflowers, marigolds
- Cosmos, calendula, nasturtiums (great for pollinators!)
💡 Pro Tip: Keep sowing lettuce, carrots, beets, and radishes every 2–3 weeks for a steady harvest through spring.
🌼 Garden Chores for May
Got your garden gloves? Let’s get down to the dirt with these must-do garden chores for May:
1. Mulch Like a Pro
Add a fresh 2–3” layer of mulch around your plants. It keeps the soil cool, holds moisture, and gives weeds a tough time.
2. Weed Weekly
Pull ‘em while they’re small! Early weeding saves you big headaches later.
3. Water Smart
Aim for deep, early morning waterings. It’s better than a light sprinkle, especially as the weather warms up.
4. Stake It Up
Support climbing veggies and tall flowers now—before they start flopping all over.
5. Thin the Herd
If you’ve got dense rows of seedlings, gently thin them out so the strongest ones can grow big and healthy.
6. Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, and beetles. Try neem oil or invite ladybugs to dinner—your plants will thank you!
7. Snip and Clip
Deadhead your early bloomers to keep them flowering. Plus, regular herb trimming = bushier, tastier growth.
🥬 Harvest Highlights
It’s already snack time in the spring garden! Look out for:
- Radishes (spicy and speedy)
- Peas
- Spinach
- Leafy greens like kale and lettuce
🌟 Harvest often to keep plants happy and productive!
🛠 Bonus Spring Gardening Projects
Looking for something extra fun? Try these satisfying garden tasks:
- Turn your compost pile (or start one!)
- Build trellises for beans and cukes
- Refresh container plantings
- Let kids help dig, plant, and water—we see you, future gardeners!
🌞 Spring Gardening is Full of Joy (and Dirt Under Your Nails)
Gardening in May is like throwing a party in your backyard—everyone’s invited: the sun, the soil, the sprouts, the butterflies. Whether you’re growing veggies for dinner or flowers for the bees, now is the time to dig in and celebrate spring gardening in all its muddy glory.
Want more ideas for little gardeners? At The Kitchen Garden Playschool, we mix learning with soil, laughter, and sunshine. 🌿 Explore our garden-inspired preschool program here and follow us for more seasonal tips!
