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Portland, Oregon · vegetable planting calendar

What to plant now in Portland

This month's sowing list for Portland, what is ready to pick, when to plant the favourites, the planting year at a glance and the local frost dates.

Sow or plant in Portland in October

Names with a dashed outline can be started now, but it is not their best time.

Last month to start: radish.

When to plant the favourites in Portland

Tomatoes

Start seeds indoors: March to May.

Transplant: May to July.

Best time to start: May.

Pick: August to October.

First pick about 18 weeks after starting.

Potatoes

Plant: March to August.

Best time to start: March to July.

Pick: July to December.

First pick about 11 weeks after starting.

Garlic

Plant: September to December.

Best time to start: September to December.

Pick: May to July.

First pick about 30 weeks after starting.

Lettuce

Direct sow: February to September.

Best time to start: March to June and August to September.

Pick: May to January.

First pick about 7 weeks after starting.

Carrots

Direct sow: March to September.

Best time to start: March to August.

Pick: June to March.

First pick about 8 weeks after starting.

Bush beans

Direct sow: May to July.

Best time to start: May to July.

Pick: July to October.

First pick about 9 weeks after starting.

Onions

Start seeds indoors: January to April and July to September.

Transplant: March to June and September to November.

Best time to start: March to June and September to November.

Pick: May to October.

First pick about 25 weeks after starting.

Strawberries

Plant: March to June and September to November.

Best time to start: March to June and September to November.

Pick: June to January.

First pick about 19 weeks after starting.

Winter squash

Start seeds indoors: April to June.

Direct sow: May to June.

Transplant: May to June.

Best time to start: May to June.

Pick: August to October.

First pick about 16 weeks after starting.

Zucchini

Start seeds indoors: April to July.

Direct sow: May to August.

Transplant: May to August.

Best time to start: May to July.

Pick: July to October.

First pick about 8 weeks after starting.

The planting year in Portland

• TStart seeds indoors
• SDirect sow
• PTransplant
• Pick
• SPaler: possible, but not the best time

The chart starts at October. "First pick" is the usual time from starting to the first harvest.

Choose a quick-maturing (early) variety of: okra.

Portland season by season

Any time of year: peas.

Frost in Portland

Last frost, most years

around March 29

Frost is unlikely after

about April 11

First frost, most years

around November 9

Frost-free days in a year

about 225

The end of frost is not planting time. Tender plants also need warm nights, which usually come two to four weeks later, and a week or two of hardening off first, so go by the months for each vegetable above. A low corner where cold air settles runs later. Tomatoes, peppers, beans, zucchini, winter squash and basil are the ones to hold back or cover.

Harder to grow in Portland

Needs a greenhouse or a warm, sheltered spot: sweet potato.

Questions about planting in Portland

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These dates are estimates for general guidance, based on the usual weather in Portland. Seasons vary from year to year, so check the seed packet and local advice as well.
Temperatures: Source: Meteostat and its data providers (CC BY 4.0). Crop temperature ranges checked against FAO ECOCROP (CC BY 4.0).