What to Plant in May in Whatcom County: A Garden Lover’s Guide

May is one of the most rewarding months for gardeners in Whatcom County. The soil is warming, the risk of frost is behind us, and longer days invite us to dig in and bring life to our outdoor spaces.

Whether you’re sprucing up your yard before listing your home, just moved in and want to personalize your space, or simply love spending time in the garden, now is the perfect time to plant.

Here’s a quick guide to what grows best in our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest in May:

🌿 Vegetables to Plant Now

May is prime time for both direct-sowing seeds and transplanting starts. Try:

• Lettuce, spinach, and kale – Cool weather crops that still do well in early May. Harvest young leaves in just a few weeks.

• Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips – Root veggies thrive in Whatcom’s soil and can be sown directly.

• Peas and beans – Plant now for a fresh harvest by midsummer.

• Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers – It’s warm enough to plant these outside now, especially if you start with hardy starts.

• Zucchini and squash – Fast growers that love May’s increasing warmth.

• Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro – Great for containers or kitchen gardens.

🌸 Flowers to Brighten Your Space

Adding flowers is a great way to boost curb appeal, and joy. Some May favorites for Whatcom include:

• Petunias, marigolds, and zinnias – Colorful annuals that love sun and bloom all season.

• Snapdragons, pansies, and violas – Perfect for garden beds or containers and can tolerate some cooler nights.

• Lavender and salvia – Drought-tolerant and fragrant, these perennials do especially well here.

• Dahlias – Plant tubers now for spectacular summer blooms.

🌳 Shrubs & Perennials to Consider

If you’re thinking longer term or want to boost your home’s landscape appeal:

• Hydrangeas and rhododendrons – Northwest classics that thrive in our climate.

• Hostas and ferns – Excellent for shady areas.

• Native plants like red flowering currant or evergreen huckleberry – Beautiful, low-maintenance, and great for pollinators.

🌱 Local Gardening Tips

• Watch for slugs and snails, especially after rain. Coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, or organic slug bait can help.

• Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

• Water in the mornings for best results, and avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.

Love Where You Plant

One of the joys of living in Whatcom County is the opportunity to connect with nature right in your backyard. Whether you’re growing food, flowers, or just a space to relax; May is the time to get your hands dirty and bring your yard to life.

Have a favorite local nursery or gardening tip? Let us know in the comments or stop by our office; we’d love to hear what you’re planting this year!