Eugene, OR planting zone & frost dates
Eugene is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 11 and the first fall frost around October 23, for a growing season of about 196 days.
Planting calendar for Eugene
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 11) 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: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 28 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 23).
Useful for zone 8b 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 | Mar 15 | Apr 11 | May 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 13 | Oct 23 | Oct 6 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 6. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Eugene
- 97401 zone 8b
- 97402 zone 8b
- 97403 zone 8b
- 97404 zone 8b
- 97405 zone 8b
- 97408 zone 8b
- 97440 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Springfield zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Lebanon zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Corvallis zone 8b, last frost Apr 17
- Albany zone 8b, last frost Apr 17
- Monmouth zone 8b, last frost Apr 16
- Roseburg zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Four Corners zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Salem zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
Questions
What growing zone is Eugene, OR?
Eugene is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Eugene?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Eugene is April 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Eugene?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 18 – Apr 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Eugene Mahlon Sweet Ap, OR (USW00024221), 13.6 km (8.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 108 m, based on 25 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.