Toronto in May: what to plant
Averaged over the last 5 years of daily records, May in Toronto runs 8.9–17.9°C with about 85 mm of rain across the month. Here is what that climate actually supports.
❄️ In 1 of the last 5 years, Toronto saw at least one night at or below 0°C in May (record low 0.0°C). Cold-sensitive crops need cover.
Best crops to sow now
- 🌱 Microgreens Fastest about 7 days to harvest 🪴 Windowsill pot — sheltered from outdoor weather
- 🌿 Basil about 29 days to harvest 🪴 Windowsill pot — sheltered from outdoor weather
- 🍒 Cherry Radish about 36 days to harvest Recent mean 13.4°C — right in the sweet spot
- 🥬 Bok Choy about 54 days to harvest Recent mean 13.4°C — right in the sweet spot
- 🌿 Spinach about 54 days to harvest Recent mean 13.4°C — right in the sweet spot
- 🥗 Lettuce about 70 days to harvest Recent mean 13.4°C — right in the sweet spot
- 🍓 Strawberry about 81 days to harvest Recent mean 13.4°C — right in the sweet spot
- 🥕 Carrot about 102 days to harvest Recent mean 13.4°C — right in the sweet spot
Leave these for another month
- 🌶️ Chili Pepper — Recent mean 13.4°C is too cold (ideal 18–32°C)
- 🥒 Cucumber — Recent mean 13.4°C is too cold (ideal 18–32°C)
- 🎃 Pumpkin — Recent mean 13.4°C is too cold (ideal 16–30°C)
Other months in Toronto
Temperature and rainfall are 5-year daily normals from the ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo. Suitability is scored with the same degree-day model the game runs on — it is not a generic planting calendar.