USDA Oregon Hardiness Zones: 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Oregon is famous for Crater Lake, Mount Hood, and its Pacific Ocean views. Oregon may be better known for its landscape than its agricultural production. But did you know that Oregon is also a leading producer of mint?
According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon is also a producer of tree fruits, berries, and hops.
The climate of Oregon is classified as a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Don’t let the “Mediterranean” classification fool you, though. Oregon’s winters can be freezing and snowy. But its summers are long, warm, and wet.
The varied weather of Oregon classifies the state into eleven planting zones. Oregon’s planting zones are 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. 9a, and 9b.
Oregon Planting Zone – A Quick Overview
- If you live in the mountains of Wallowa County, you might live in 5a, 5b or 6a planting zones.
- If you live near the Anthony Lakes Ski Area, you likely live in the 5b gardening zone.
- Prairie City is considered the 6a temperature zone.
- Arock and Durkee are also located in planting zone 6a.
- Summer Lake and Huntington are in the 6b planting zone.
- If you live in Friend or Parkdale, or their surrounding areas, you likely live in the 7a temperature zone.
- If you live near Talent, your planting zone is 8a.
- Marion is considered planting zone 8b. Jefferson, Keizer, Grand Ronde and Gresham are also growing zone 8b.
- Hammond is classified as climate zone 9a.
- You’ll also find the 9a planting zone near Gardiner.
- The area surrounding Gold Beach is considered planting zone 9b.
Using the Oregon Growing Zones Map
Oregon is classified into eleven different planting zones. The geography, the climate, and the relative low temperatures in Oregon help make these classifications. It is essential to identify your planting zone before planting flowers, vegetables, or trees.
What might thrive in your friend’s garden across the state might not thrive as well in your location. Fortunately, it is not difficult to learn your planting zone.
In 2012, the USDA created the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to help growers, gardeners, and farmers identify their gardening zone. The USDA Plant Hardiness Map is color-coded, and each planting zone in the United States is labeled with a specific color. To use the map, click on the state of Oregon. The Oregon map features a range of colors from blue to light orange.
Zoom in on your location on the map and match the map’s color to the legend on the side of the map. This will tell you your gardening zone. If the shades of color look the same or you do not know your general area on the map, enter your address and zip code in the search bar.
This will give you the most accurate planting zone for your garden plot.
Explore Our Complete US Hardiness Zone Map
The geography of Oregon affects the weather pattern. Depending on your location, you may see lower temperatures than your neighbors. Understanding your gardening zone is vital before choosing plants for your garden or yard. You also need to consider the micro-climate of your yard, too.
You may notice your garden space receives more rain or there is more frost than the general area. If this is the case, your garden’s micro-climate may differ from the surrounding area.
Rain, frost, wind, and humidity are all factors that affect the micro-climate. Consider these factors before making a plant purchase.
Oregon: Eleven Planting Zones
By talking to your neighbors or researching your area, you might find the length of your growing season is around 90 days or, if you live on the coast, it could be 250 days. The length of the growing season depends on your location in Oregon.
Generally, most gardeners will tell you that it’s safe to plant outside after the year’s last frost. Make sure you check your local weather data for a good idea of when the last frost will be.
Many plants, crops, and trees thrive in Oregon’s eleven planting zone. You might consider planting artichokes, corn, or garlic in your garden. Eggplant, summer squash, and tomatoes also grow well in Oregon.
The Portland Nursery, located in Portland, Oregon, suggests planting Ice Plant, Ascot Rainbow, and Blanket Flowers in your flower garden. Consider adding Douglas firs, vine maples, or tulip trees to your landscape.
