Ashland, OR planting zone & frost dates
Ashland is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 6 and the first fall frost around October 8, for a growing season of about 154 days.
Planting calendar for Ashland
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 6) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 8).
Useful for zone 8a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 20 | May 6 | May 27 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 26 | Oct 8 | Sep 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 27, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 15.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Ashland
- 97520 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Medford zone 8b, last frost Apr 8
- Central Point zone 8b, last frost Apr 8
- Grants Pass zone 8b, last frost Apr 8
- Klamath Falls zone 6b, last frost Jun 9
- Altamont zone 6b, last frost Jun 9
- Roseburg zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Springfield zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Eugene zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is Ashland, OR?
Ashland is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Ashland?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Ashland is May 6. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 27.
When can I plant tomatoes in Ashland?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 13 – May 20. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Ashland, OR (USC00350304), 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 527 m, based on 23 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.