Best Planting Times for Kale in Oregon
Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Planting | Indoor Seed Starting | February 15 – March 15 |
Transplant Outdoors | March 15 – April 15 | |
Fall Planting | Direct Sow Outdoors | July 15 – August 15 |
Planting Conditions
Oregon’s climate is diverse, ranging from a coastal maritime climate in the west to a more continental climate in the east, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 4b to 9a. These conditions are favorable for growing cool-season crops like kale, especially in the spring and fall.
Plant kale outdoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring, and 6-8 weeks before the first frost in fall.
Average Last Frost Dates for Oregon’s Largest Cities
City | Average Last Frost Date |
---|---|
Portland | April 10 |
Salem | April 15 |
Eugene | April 20 |
Gresham | April 12 |
Hillsboro | April 15 |
Beaverton | April 12 |
Bend | May 15 |
Medford | April 20 |
Springfield | April 18 |
Corvallis | April 17 |
Average First Frost Dates for Oregon’s Largest Cities
City | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Portland | October 25 |
Salem | October 20 |
Eugene | October 15 |
Gresham | October 25 |
Hillsboro | October 20 |
Beaverton | October 25 |
Bend | September 25 |
Medford | October 15 |
Springfield | October 18 |
Corvallis | October 20 |
Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year. It’s important to monitor local weather and consider your specific location when planning your gardening activities.
Starting Kale Indoors
In areas like Portland (Zone 8b), start kale seeds indoors from February 15 to March 15. This ensures seedlings are ready for transplanting outdoors from mid-March to mid-April, after the last frost.
Transplanting Kale Seedlings
Transplant seedlings outdoors from March 15 to April 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows at least 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight exposure.
General Care and Maintenance
Watering:
- Keep the soil evenly moist with regular deep watering, especially during warmer days in Oregon.
- Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.
Fertilizing:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost before planting helps improve soil fertility and structure.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Watch out for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Oregon’s humid climate can also encourage fungal diseases, so regular monitoring is important.
- Use organic or integrated pest management practices to keep your kale plants healthy.
Harvesting Kale:
- Pick the leaves when they’re large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and can extend the harvesting season, especially in Oregon’s mild climate.
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