Oregon growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How Oregon zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across Oregon
Oregon covers USDA Zones 6b–8b on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 6b — Pendleton and the Columbia Plateau. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
- Zone 7b — Medford and the Rogue Valley. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).
- Zone 8a — Corvallis, Salem and the Willamette Valley. Average last frost 03/28, first frost 11/05 (about 222 frost-free days).
- Zone 8b — Portland and the lower Willamette. Average last frost 03/15, first frost 11/15 (about 245 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Corvallis, Salem and the Willamette Valley (Zone 8a)
- Tomatoes: set out April 4 – April 25; fall July 23 – August 13
- Peppers: set out April 11 – May 2; fall August 6 – August 27
- Sweet corn: seed March 28 – April 18; fall August 6 – August 27
- Cucumbers: set out April 4 – April 25; fall August 20 – September 10
- Summer squash: seed April 4 – April 25; fall August 27 – September 17
- Green beans (bush): seed March 28 – April 18; fall August 20 – September 10
- Cabbage: set out February 28 – March 21; fall July 23 – August 13
- Broccoli: set out February 28 – March 21; fall July 23 – August 13
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in Oregon
- State buy-local program: the Oregon Department of Agriculture runs the state's farm marketing programs. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Established market: Portland Farmers Market. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in Oregon
- Income tax: Graduated state income tax.
- Sales tax on inputs: Oregon has no general sales tax.
- Farmland property tax: Farm use special assessment: land in exclusive farm use zones is assessed on farm value; apply through the county assessor.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in Oregon
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (Oregon Department of Agriculture)
- Soil and water conservation district cost-share
- Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) grants
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Western SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- OSU Extension Service — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers