Salem, OR planting zone & frost dates
Salem is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 3 and the first fall frost around November 1, for a growing season of about 212 days.
Planting calendar for Salem
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 3) 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 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 6 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 1).
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 10 | Apr 3 | Apr 27 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 23 | Nov 1 | Oct 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 27, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Salem
- 97301 zone 8b
- 97302 zone 8b
- 97303 zone 8b
- 97304 zone 8b
- 97305 zone 8b
- 97306 zone 8b
- 97308 zone 8b
- 97309 zone 8b
- 97310 zone 8b
- 97311 zone 8b
- 97314 zone 8b
- 97317 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Keizer zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Four Corners zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Hayesville zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Monmouth zone 8b, last frost Apr 16
- Woodburn zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Dallas zone 8b, last frost Apr 16
- McMinnville zone 8b, last frost Apr 5
- Albany zone 8b, last frost Apr 17
Questions
What growing zone is Salem, OR?
Salem 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 Salem?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Salem is April 3. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 27.
When can I plant tomatoes in Salem?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 10 – Apr 17. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Salem Mcnary Fld, OR (USW00024232), 5.0 km (3.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 62 m, based on 21 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.