How to Plan a Garden in Central Oregon: A Guide to Growing in Tough Conditions
Gardening in Central Oregon presents a unique set of challenges—and rewards. With a short growing season, unpredictable frosts (even in summer!), and pests like deer and rodents, you have to be strategic. But with the right planning, you can grow a beautiful and productive garden that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 5. Here’s how to do it:
1. Know Your Zone—and Your Microclimate
Central Oregon falls into USDA Zone 5, which means average minimum winter temperatures dip to -20°F. But that’s just the start. Elevation, wind exposure, and shade all create “microclimates” in your yard. Use a soil thermometer and keep a frost log to learn your space better. South-facing walls and boulders can reflect heat and extend your growing season.
Tip: Invest in a reliable outdoor thermometer and frost cloths. Our growing season may only last from mid-June to early September.
2. Design with Frost in Mind
Late spring and early fall frosts are common—sometimes even snow in July! Choose cold-hardy plants and plan for protection.
Use raised beds to warm the soil faster in spring.
Keep row covers or frost blankets on hand at all times.
Build cloches or low tunnels to protect seedlings.
Cold-tolerant vegetables: Kale, carrots, lettuce, spinach, radishes
Warm-season vegetables (need extra protection): Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers
3. Build a Critter-Resistant Garden
Deer and rodents are serious garden foes in this region. Here’s how to deter them:
For Deer:
Fencing: 7–8 feet tall is ideal. A double fence (two shorter fences a few feet apart) also works.
Repellents: Use sprays made with egg solids or garlic. Reapply after rain.
Plant choice: Deer often avoid herbs like lavender, rosemary, and strongly scented flowers like marigolds.
For Rodents (voles, gophers, squirrels):
Raised beds with hardware cloth stapled to the bottom keep burrowers out.
Traps and deterrents: Ultrasonic devices, castor oil pellets, and even barn cats can help.
Clean garden beds: Avoid letting mulch or debris build up near plant roots—they’re cozy homes for rodents.
4. Pick the Right Plants
Central Oregon’s dry, sunny days and cool nights call for tough, adaptable plants. Drought-tolerant, cold-hardy, and short-season varieties are your best bet.
Vegetables:
Cool-season: Broccoli, cabbage, onions, peas
Warm-season (start indoors early): Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini (use wall-of-water or greenhouse)
Flowers:
Perennials: Echinacea, Black-eyed Susan, Russian Sage, Yarrow
Annuals: Snapdragons, calendula, cosmos
Native plants are often the most successful—they’re adapted to Central Oregon’s soil and climate.
5. Water Wisely
The high desert climate means dry air and quick evaporation. But water is precious, so use it efficiently.
Install drip irrigation with timers
Water deeply and early in the morning
Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture and block weeds
6. Start Indoors and Harden Off Carefully
The short growing season means you’ll want to start seeds indoors as early as February or March. Use grow lights and heat mats for best results.
Hardening off is crucial: Gradually introduce plants to the outdoors over 7–10 days before transplanting to reduce shock.
7. Keep a Garden Journal
Each season is different. Write down planting dates, frost events, successes, and failures. Over time, this becomes one of your best tools for planning.