What to Plant in Late May – Central Texas Vegetable Guide

As we slide into the heat of Central Texas summer, many gardeners think it's too late to plant—but that’s not true. Late May is still a great time to get heat-loving vegetables in the ground. With the right picks, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest even as the temperature rises.

Here’s what we recommend planting now:

🌱 Best Vegetables to Plant in Late May:

• Okra: Thrives in hot soil. Direct seed it and let it roll.

• Southern Peas (Black-eyed peas, cowpeas): Great nitrogen fixer and does well in lean soil.

• Sweet Potatoes: Go in as slips. Just be sure the soil is well-drained.

• Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon): Need space, sun, and heat—perfect timing right now.

  
  

Tips for Success:

• Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Water deeply but infrequently to promote deep root growth.

• Monitor for pests early (especially squash bugs and aphids).

• Raised beds or mounded rows will help manage heat and drainage.

  
  

📌 Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Vegetable Planting Guide

Whether you’re managing a homestead garden or advising a rural property owner, these heat-tolerant crops are a reliable addition. At Hill Country Land Services, we’re all about working with nature, not against it—and that starts with good timing and good soil.