When to Plant in Portland, OR

Portland's maritime climate is excellent for gardening — Zone 8b with a last frost around March 23rd and long, mild growing seasons. The city's wet winters and springs give way to a dry summer perfect for irrigation-managed warm-season crops.

Portland gardeners enjoy a long cool-season growing window and a productive summer once the soil warms. The main challenge is getting warm-season crops started early enough indoors to produce before summer's end. Slug pressure in spring is significant.

This month in Portland: November 2026

Portland's first frost usually holds off until around November 15, so it often comes in the middle of the month. By then the rain has settled in and most growth has slowed way down.

Kale, leeks, and collards will sit through the winter here and keep giving you leaves to pick. Overwintering cabbage and purple sprouting broccoli planted in late summer will hold until they take off in early spring.

Get any remaining garlic in by mid-November, before the soil gets too soggy to work. Check for slugs on mild, wet nights. Cover the empty beds with leaves or compost so the winter rain doesn't pack them down.

Updated November 3, 2026

What to plant now in Portland

Year-round cool season: Kale, chard, lettuce, peas, broccoli, and spinach thrive much of the year.
Spring: Start warm-season crops after March 23 last frost.
Summer: Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans produce well in Portland's dry summer.
Fall: Excellent fall planting — cool-season crops accelerate as summer heat eases.

In Portland (237 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Portland

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Start onion seeds indoors. Plant cold-hardy greens outdoors.
February	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Direct sow peas and spinach.
March	After March 23 — transplant tomatoes to a warm spot. Plant brassicas.
April	Full spring planting. Watch for slugs — use iron phosphate bait.
May	Direct sow beans and squash. Set up drip irrigation for summer.
June	Summer dry season begins. Water consistently for warm-season crops.
July	Harvest summer crops. Plant fall broccoli and kale.
August	Fall planting: lettuce, spinach, arugula, carrots.
September	Plant fall garlic. Fog often eases — best tomato harvests often now.
October	Continue fall cool-season crops. Harvest remaining tomatoes.
November	Cool-season crops thrive. Harvest regularly.
December	Greens and root vegetables continue in mild winters.

Frost dates for Portland ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
97229	April 11	October 31	8b
97206	March 23	November 15	9a
97236	March 23	November 15	9a
97225	April 11	October 31	8b
97209	March 23	November 15	9a
97201	March 23	November 15	8b
97221	March 23	November 15	8b

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Portland, OR?

Portland's average last frost date is around March 23rd. The mild maritime climate means tomatoes and peppers can be started indoors in February for an early March transplant.

What grows best in Portland?

Cool-season crops thrive almost year-round: kale, lettuce, chard, broccoli, peas, and root vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash do well in summer with the right variety selection.

How do I deal with slugs in Portland?

Slugs are a major spring pest in Portland. Use iron phosphate bait (safe for pets), copper tape around raised beds, and plant slug-resistant varieties. Go out at night with a flashlight to hand-pick.

Can I grow tomatoes in Portland?

Yes! Choose early-maturing varieties (under 70 days). Plant in your warmest, most protected spot facing south. September is often the best harvest month as summer fog patterns shift.

How does Plan My Garden help Portland gardeners?

Enter your Portland zip code for personalized planting dates tuned to the Willamette Valley's maritime climate.