Oregon State University Extension Service


Eastern Oregon Seed Starting Schedule

Write the average frost-free date in column 1. Most gardeners in Eastern Oregon use May 21. Then count back (or ahead) using the numbers in column 2 to determine the outdoor planting date and write that number in column 3. Count back from that date using the numbers in column 4 to determine the indoor sowing date.

Crop Frost-free date Weeks to set out Set Out Date Weeks to Grow Indoors Sow Date
beans +1 -4
broccoli -4 -6
brussels sprouts -4 -6
cabbage -5 -6
cauliflower -2 -6
corn 0 -4
cucumbers +1 -3
kale -5 -6
leeks -5 -10
lettuce -2 -5
melons +2 -3
onions -6 -10
peas -4 -4
peppers +2 -8
squash +2 -3
tomatoes 0 -8

Frost Tolerant Plants

  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Onion
  • Carrot
  • Swiss Chard
  • Peas
  • Beets
  • Radishes
  • Snapdragons
  • Alyssum

Frost Sensitive Plants

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Squash
  • Eggplant
  • Melons
  • Marigolds
  • Nasturtiums
  • Petunias
  • Corn
  • Beans
  • Sunflowers

Source URL: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/vegetables/eastern-oregon-seed-starting-schedule-0