The Best Time to Plant a Garden in Oregon

Oregon Coast

• Oregon's Zone 1 is the Oregon coast, which is the westernmost part of the state from the southern tip to the northwest corner. This zone has a long growing season, but is cool year-round. Zone 1's characteristics include fog and wind. Corn (Zea mays), chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) can be planted as early as April. Kale (Brassica oleracea), parsnips (Pastinaca sativa), summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) can all be planted in May; mid-summer vegetables include kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) and rutabaga (Brasica napobrassica). Artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) and garlic (Allium sativum) do best when planted in early autumn, while rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum), onions (Allium cepa), leeks (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) go in the ground in the winter.

Western Valley

• Zone 2 consists of the western valleys -- areas rich with fertile soil and a long growing season of 150 to 250 days. This region experiences warm days and cool nights as well as mild winter temperatures. Early to mid-spring is the time to plant lettuces (Lactuca sativa), parsnips, potatoes, cabbage (Brassica oleracea), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea), carrots (Daucus carota) and sweet corn. Once mid-May arrives, snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera), cantaloupes (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis), cucumbers, dill (Anethum graveolens) and eggplant (Solanum melongena) can go in the ground. Garlic, spinach (Spinacea oleracea) and globe artichokes are best planted in late summer or early fall, while asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) and peas (Pisum sativum) go in the ground in mid to late winter.

High Elevation

• Oregon's Zone 3 is in the high elevations and can prove to be a difficult climate for vegetable gardens. The short growing season lasts only three to four months and frost can occur at any time. Most of the planting times are the same as Zone 2, although a few vegetables aren't suited to the climate. Artichokes, eggplant, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) aren't recommended for Oregon's Zone 3.

Columbia and Snake River Valleys

• Oregon's Zone 4 consists of the valleys of the Columbia and Snake rivers. The growing season varies from just under four months to 200 days. The areas in this zone vary. Lower elevation areas can prove problematic as they're prone to hot temperatures and steady winds, which dry out vegetable and fruit plants. In general, the planting dates for Zone 4 are either a month ahead of or behind Zone 2. Cool season crops including garlic are suited for late fall and early winter planting. Lettuces, asparagus, onions and parsley (Petroselinum crispum) are best when planted between February and April. Most regular season crops are best planted between mid-April and May.