State growing guide
Oregon Planting Guide
USDA Zone 8a/8b · Last frost Mar 15 · First frost Nov 8 · 237 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Oregon.
Frost Dates by City — Oregon
Average frost dates for major Oregon cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 8b | Mar 5 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 5) |
| Eugene | 8a | Mar 20 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Salem | 8a | Mar 20 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Bend | 6a | Apr 25 | Oct 10 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Medford | 8b | Mar 1 | Dec 1 | ~2 wks after (Mar 1) |
| Ashland | 8b | Mar 5 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 5) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Oregon Gardeners
- Portland gardeners can transplant tomatoes in late April with protection, early May safely
- Medford (Rogue Valley) has the warmest, driest summers in Oregon — great for tomatoes
- Willamette Valley rain can extend until June — choose blight-resistant tomato varieties
- Year-round cool-season growing is possible in western Oregon
Common Challenges in Oregon
- ⚠ West of the Cascades: frequent spring rain delays warming — choose blight-resistant varieties
- ⚠ Slugs are extremely heavy in western Oregon — protect seedlings with copper tape and traps
- ⚠ East of Cascades (Bend, La Grande): cold winters and short seasons
Best Crops for Oregon
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Oregon
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Oregon Gardening
What zone is Oregon?
Oregon spans Zone 4b (high Cascades, Wallowas) to Zone 9a (far southwestern coast). Portland is Zone 8b, the Willamette Valley is Zone 8a, Medford/Rogue Valley is Zone 8b, and Bend is Zone 6a.
When to plant tomatoes in Portland, Oregon?
Start seeds indoors in late February–March. Transplant outside in early May (with row covers) or mid-May safely. Choose blight-resistant varieties like Legend, Willamette, or Defiant for the rainy climate.