What to plant in May in the Philippines takes advantage of the transition between dry and wet seasons. The first rains often arrive in late May, creating a natural window for crops that bridge both seasons. See our planting calendar for context.
Best Vegetables to Plant in May
- Sili (Chili) planted now will produce through the wet season. Choose disease-resistant varieties and ensure good drainage.
- Okra continues to grow well in the remaining heat. New plantings will produce first pods by July.
- Kangkong is the perfect bridge crop. Plant now and it grows even more vigorously once the rains start.
- Sitaw (String Beans) does well in late May as occasional showers supplement watering.
- Kalabasa (Squash) can still be planted. Choose quick-maturing varieties that fruit before the heaviest rains.
- Kamote (Sweet Potato) vine cuttings root quickly as the first rains moisten the soil. One of the best wet-season crops.
- Patola (Sponge Gourd) grows rapidly on trellises. Plant now to take advantage of the coming rains.
- Malunggay starts easily from large stem cuttings. The rains will establish root systems quickly.
Best Herbs to Plant in May
- Basil still grows well. Position where plants will have some rain protection later.
- Tanglad (Lemongrass) is one of the toughest herbs. Will grow aggressively once the rains arrive.
- Pandan establishes well before the wet season. Plant in partial shade with moist soil.
- Luya (Ginger) planted in May benefits from the coming rains. Plant rhizome pieces 5cm deep in loose soil.
Prepare for Rainy Season Gardening
Stock up on quality soil and drainage materials before the wet season. Same-day delivery across Metro Manila.
Ornamental Plants for May
- Heliconia grows best when established before the wet season with dramatic flowers once rains arrive.
- Gumamela (Hibiscus) blooms throughout the transition. Prune now for fresh growth.
- Santan (Ixora) continues flowering in the heat. Feed with bloom-boosting fertiliser.
- Plumeria (Kalachuchi) is in full bloom. Take cuttings, let dry for a week, then plant.
- Bird of Paradise does well planted before the rains. Give it space and rich soil.
Gardening Tasks for May
- Build raised beds now. Construct beds at least 20cm high before the rains make soil work difficult.
- Improve container drainage. Add extra rice hull or perlite. Ensure every container has drainage holes.
- Stock organic fungicide. Have neem oil and copper-based fungicide ready for wet season problems.
- Harvest remaining dry-season crops. Pick all remaining tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.
- Start compost piles. Collect dried leaves. Wet season provides moisture for efficient decomposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I plant in May before the rainy season?
Plant crops that thrive once the rains arrive. Kangkong, kamote (sweet potato), malunggay, sitaw (string beans) and gabi (taro) all benefit from the transition. Also establish lemongrass, ginger and pandan which grow vigorously in wet conditions. Set up these crops with good drainage to prevent waterlogging once consistent rainfall begins in June.
How do I prepare my garden for the wet season?
Prepare by building raised beds (20cm minimum height), improving container drainage with extra perlite or rice hull, cleaning drainage channels and stocking organic fungicide. Switch to water-tolerant crops like kangkong, kamote and gabi. Raise containers off the ground so every pot drains freely when heavy rains arrive.
Is May too late for summer crops in the Philippines?
May is the last month for summer crops in the Philippines. You can still plant okra, sili and sitaw which will continue producing into the wet season. Avoid starting new tomatoes, eggplant or bitter gourd as the incoming rains promote fungal diseases in these crops. Focus instead on transition crops that handle both dry and wet conditions.
