The climate is primarily influenced by geographical features, creating a range of climate types characterized by temperature and moisture levels. Its devided into six primary hardiness zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
The average minimum temperatures in these zones range from -25°F to 30°F (-31.7°C to -1.1°C). This variation allows for a wide range of plant species to be cultivated across the state.
| Zone | Temperature Range (°F) | Typical Characteristics | Recommended Plants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | -30 to -25 | Cold winters; suitable for extremely hardy plants. | Rhubarb, Hellebores, and Peonies |
| Zone 4b | -25 to -20 | Cold winters with shorter growing season; ideal for hardy perennials. | Daylilies, Sedum, and Lilacs |
| Zone 5a | -20 to -15 | Cool winters; a variety of plants can flourish here. | Lavender, Coneflower, and Phlox |
| Zone 5b | -15 to -10 | Moderate climate; allows for diverse plant species. | Tomatoes, Zinnias, and Hydrangeas |
| Zone 6a | -10 to -5 | Mild winters; great for fruit trees and ornamental plants. | Apple Trees, Roses, and Figs |
| Zone 6b | -5 to 0 | Milder climate; supports a wide array of flowering plants. | Citrus, Borages, and Lavender |
| Zone 7a | 0 to 5 | Mild winters; conducive for a broad range of edible crops. | Peppers, Gourds, and Marigolds |
| Zone 7b | 5 to 10 | Warm climate; ideal for tropical and subtropical species. | Figs, Grapes, and Olives |
| Zone 8a | 10 to 15 | Warm; perfect for many ornamental plants and vegetables. | Corn, Squash, and Melons |
| Zone 8b | 15 to 20 | Very warm; supports diverse plants, ideal for summer crops. | Peppers, Tomatoes, and Sweet Potatoes |
| Zone 9a | 20 to 25 | Hot climate; suitable for heat-loving plants and vegetables. | Olives, Bougainvillea, and Raspberries |
Specific Hardiness Zones
| Region | Hardiness Zone | Average Low Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | 8b / 9a | 15 to 25 |
| Central Oregon | 6 | -10 to 0 |
| Coastal Oregon | 8 | 10 to 20 |
| Southern Oregon | 7 | 0 to 10 |
| Eastern Oregon | 5 | -10 to 0 |
Popular Plants
- Zone 4: Hellebores, Siberian Iris
- Zone 5: Peonies, Daylilies
- Zone 6: Lavender, Roses
- Zone 7: Hydrangeas, Figs
- Zone 8: Citrus trees, Camellias
- Zone 9: Bougainvillea, Palms
The Importance of Good Soil
Before starting to grow, it’s essential to assess the condition of the soil in your garden. The best soil is a blend of mineral-rich dirt and organic matter. In my garden, I compost as much as possible to enrich the soil with nutrients. I use both hot composting for food scraps and cold composting for organic garden waste.
If you don’t have the time or space to compost, you can purchase compost from Amazon, local garden centers or use community composting programs. Learn more about community composting here: Learn more about community composting here.
Where I live I get a large tax refund every year for composting may own organic waste. Due to this saving I was able to break even on the cost at only two year use. I recommend you to check with your local government if you can receive any tax refund.
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Greenhouse Growing
Imagine extending your growing season and harvest fresh plants into the cold season.
When the growing seasons are short and weather can be unpredictable, utilizing a greenhouse allows for a controlled environment. This promotes better growth , protects plants from harsh weather, and can enable earlier planting. Greenhouses also maximizes the growing season.
The beautiful Howe 8x12x7,5 FT Greenhouse shown on the images are right now priced at $1,199.
Don’t miss out on getting the best value—check out the latest price and see how affordable growing year-round can be.
Check the latest price for the HOWE greenhouse on Amazon.
Using Mulch
Mulch protects the soil by regulating temperature and retaining moisture. Organic mulch like straw or compost insulates the soil and keeps roots warmer, which is especially important in spring and fall.
Mulch also helps retain moisture by reducing evaporation, which means less time watering and less stress on plants. It is especially helpful in raised beds and containers where soil dries out faster. Additionally, mulch controls weeds, stopping them from competing with your vegetables for nutrients.
The Sun Joe CJ603E Wood Chipper is an affordable and effective option for creating mulch from branches up to 1.7 inches thick. It’s available for $199. Check the latest price on Amazon.
Microclimates
The varied landscape crafts a tapestry of microclimates, each uniquely influencing plant growth and resilience. These small climate zones arise from factors like elevation shifts, nearby water bodies, and urban sprawl.
Examples of Microclimates
| Microclimate | Characteristics | Recommended Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Willamette Valley | Mild winters, warm summers | Grapes, Apples, Peaches |
| Columbia River Gorge | Cooler temperatures, high humidity | Ferns, Rhododendrons |
| Coastal Areas | Moderate temperatures, high rainfall | Coastal Redwoods, Salal |
| High Desert (Central Oregon) | Cold winters, hot summers | Sagebrush, Junipers |
I'm passionate about cultivating greens in all forms: from kitchen garden to fruit and berry trees. I am also enthusiastic
about creating high-quality soil by utilizing household compost. View Author page
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