Phenology Planting Guide – Zone 7/8

According to the USDA Zone map, the Willamette Valley is considered Zone 8, or more specifically 8b (due to average low temps). Here where I live though, our last frost dates are usually around Mother’s Day (which is more like zone 7!). Warm summer crops need soil temps in the 60s-70s, which we are hard pressed to have until late May/early June really. In the Autumn, we’ve had frosts happen mid October so I use that as the guidelines on the other end of things.

I like to follow the Oregon State University Extension Monthly Garden Calendar for ideas. Portland Nursery has a great resource for when to plant and I used it to also fill in this chart (especially with the best ways to plant and the less great ways, but they can still be done).

I used to break all this information down to moon phase gardening, but since there is no scientific basis for this, I am going to use phenology (seasons based on indicator plants blooming or fruiting) and phenological folklore from the past which is still relevant today!

(If you see BOLD, that means it’s the best time to plant it. If you see ITALICS, that means it’s not the most ideal time to plant that item, but it can be done.)

*Approximate Time Frame*	Phenology Indicator	*What to Plant*
All Year Long	No seasonal indicator needed: These robust, woody perennial herbs adapt to all four seasons once established.	Plant: Chives, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage
late January	~ Osoberry (Indian Plum) bud swell: The terminal buds on wild osoberry bushes swell and turn from tightly closed reddish-brown to showing distinct lime-green tips. ~ Scouler’s Willow bud cracking: The protective outer scales on native willow buds crack open to reveal fuzzy, silver-gray “pussy willow” tips.	Start Indoor: Onions, Artichoke, Arugula, Endive, Fava Beans, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard Start Outdoor: Radish
February	~ Osoberry (Indian Plum) first bloom: The swollen green buds open fully into small, hanging clusters of delicate, greenish-white bell flowers. ~ Red Alder catkins stretching: The long, reddish male catkins on native Red Alder trees noticeably lengthen and begin shaking loose yellow pollen in the wind. ~ Crocus opening: Traditional lawn crocuses begin popping up and opening wide on brief sunny afternoons.	Start Indoor: Onions, Leeks, Artichoke, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chives, Choi, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Parsley, Tomatillo Start Outdoor: Arugula, Asparagus crowns, Onion, Onion Bunches, Peas, Spinach, Cilantro, Fava beans, Garlic (cloves), Mustard Greens, Potatoes (tubers), Radish, Scallions Transplant: Artichoke, Peas, Garlic, Onions, Scallions
Mid-Late February	~ Willow buds cracking: Native Scouler’s Willows or Pacific Willows shed their dark winter bud scales to expose fuzzy, silver-gray “pussy willow” velvet tips. ~ Osoberry leaf emergence: The earliest blooming Osoberry bushes transition from just having flowers to pushing out their very first bright, chartreuse-green leaves. ~ Early Daffodils upright: Early-season yellow daffodils or winter aconites begin to split their paper wrappers and show bright color across the valley floor.	Start Indoor: Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes Start Outdoor: Peas, Sweet Peas Plant: fruit trees and deciduous shrubs, including roses. Prune: Fall-bearing Raspberries, Clematis, Virginia Creeper, and other vining ornamentals. Prune and train trailing blackberries (if not done the prior August).
March	~ Oregon Grape yellow blooms open: The bright yellow floral clusters of our native state flower open up across local woodlands and urban landscapes. ~ Red-Flowering Currant first bloom: The vibrant pink pendulous flower clusters begin bursting open. This officially signals the return of migrating Rufous hummingbirds. ~ Osoberry fully leaves out: The white flowers begin to fade. The bushes fully transition to bright, chartreuse-green leaves. ~ Daffodils and Forsythia hit peak bloom: Bright yellow blossoms dominate the valley floor. This indicates soil temperatures are steadily crossing 45°F (7°C).	Start Indoor: Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Leeks, Lettuce, Scallions. Start tuberous begonias indoors. Start Outdoor: Peas, Arugula, Asparagus crown, Chard, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Asian Greens, Cilantro, Choi, Fava Beans, Garlic (cloves), Kale, Potatoes (tuber), Scallions, Radish Transplant: Broccoli, Jeruselem Artichoke (tuber), Kale, Artichoke, Arugula, Asian greens, Cabbage (early), Chard, Choi, Cilantro, Green onions, Lettuce Mustard greens, Onion, Peas, Salad greens, Spinach Plant: berry crops (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries and other berry-producing crop plants). Plant: insectary plants such as alyssum, phacelia, coriander, candytuft, sunflower, yarrow and dill to attract beneficial insects to the garden. Harden off: geraniums, tuberous begonias and fuchsias. Divide: hosta, daylilies and mums. Prune: Fall-bearing Raspberries, spring-flowering shrubs after blossoms fade. Fertilize: caneberries using band fertilizer, broadcast fertilizer, a complete fertilizer or well-composted manure.
April	~ Bigleaf Maple blossoms drop: The large, chartreuse-green flower clusters on native maples drop completely, carpeting roadsides and trails. ~ Pacific Dogwood opens: The iconic white bracts of native dogwood trees unfold across the valley. ~ Salmonberry bursts into bloom: In wooded areas and creek banks, native salmonberry bushes push out bright, hot-pink flowers. ~ Camas fields show early color: Low-lying meadows and ditches begin to show their first glimmers of bright purple-blue Camas flowers.	Start Outdoors: Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage (early types), Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Choi, Cilantro, Endive, Jeruselem Artichoke (tuber), Kohlrabi, Spinach, Turnips, Arugula, Asian greens, Asparagus (crown), Brussels sprouts, Collards Dill, Fennel (bulbing), Kale, Mustard Greens, Potatoes (tubers), Radicchio, Radish, Scallions, Sorrel, Peas (early April) Transplant: Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage (early types), Cauliflower, Endive, Fennel (bulbing), Jeruselem Artichoke, Kale, Leeks, Arugula, Asian Greens, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Chard, Choi, Cilantro, Collards, Dill, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Peas, Radicchio, Salad greens, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach Plant: rhubarb, gladioli, hardy transplants of alyssum, phlox and marigolds Prune and shape or thin spring-blooming shrubs and trees after blossoms fade.
Mid-April	~ Salmonberry hits peak bloom: Native salmonberry bushes along creek banks and forest edges are completely covered in hot-pink flowers. ~ Bitter Cherry begins blooming: Small white floral clusters emerge on native Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) trees. ~ Oregon Ash leaf out: The distinctive compound leaves of the native Oregon Ash split open.	Start Outdoors: Celeriac, Celery Transplant: Celeriac, Celery
Late April	~ Camas fields open wide: Low-lying fields and roadsides transition from patchy color to sweeping blankets of purple-blue Camas blossoms. ~ Pacific Dogwood in full display: The large white bracts of native dogwood trees are fully opened across local woodlands. ~ Vine Maple flowers open: Native Vine Maples push out their tiny, subtle clusters of delicate purple-and-white blossoms beneath the forest understory.	Start Indoors: Basil, Cucumber, Melon, Pumpkin, summer Squash, winter Squash
May	~ Camas fields hit peak purple-blue bloom: Low-lying meadows and ditches form solid blankets of deep purple-blue blossoms. ~ Oregon Sunshine opens: The bright yellow, daisy-like flowers of native Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) begin opening up in sunny areas. ~ Western Columbine blooms: Native red-and-yellow columbine flowers unfold.	Start Indoors: Basil, Cucumber, Melon Start Outdoors: Brussels sprouts, Collards, Parsnips, Potatoes (tubers), Spinach, Arugula, Asian greens, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Choi, Cilantro, Fennel (bulbing), Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks (over wintering), Lettuce, Radicchio, Radish, Rutabaga, Salad greens, Scallions, Turnips Transplant: Artichoke, Arugula, Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage (early and late), Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Collards, Dill, Fennel (bulbing), Jeruselem Artichoke, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Radicchio, Salad Greens, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach Plant: chrysanthemums for fall color.
Mid-May	~ Thimbleberry flowers open wide: The large, crinkled white blossoms of native Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) open completely along woodland borders. ~ Pacific Ninebark begins blooming: Fluffy, pom-pom-shaped white flower clusters begin opening on native Ninebark shrubs. ~ Nootka Rose pushes first blooms: The very first fragrant, light-pink wild roses (Rosa nutkana) begin to open.	Start Outdoors: Beans, Basil, Dill, Pumpkin, Summer Squash, Winter Squash Transplant: Eggplant (cover), Peppers (cover), Tomatoes (cover), Tomatillos (cover), Basil, Corn, Cucumbers, all Squash Plant: dahlias, gladioli and tuberous begonias
Early June	~ Lewis’ Mock Orange hits peak bloom: Our native state shrub (Philadelphus lewisii) bursts into highly fragrant, snowy-white flowers across the valley. ~ Oceanspray (Creambush) pushes first flowers: The large, feathery, cream-colored floral panicles on native Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor) begin to open along hillsides. ~ Pacific Ninebark in full bloom: Dense, rounded clusters of white flowers are fully open, attracting heavy native pollinator activity.	Start Outdoors: Basil, Beans, Cabbage (late), Cucumbers, Melons, Pumpkins, all Squash
June	~ Nootka Rose hits peak bloom: Wild pink roses line fields, roadsides, and forest edges. ~ Blue Elderberry blooms open: Flat, creamy-white flower clusters push out on native elderberry shrubs. ~ Tall Oregon Grape berries form: The bright yellow spring flowers drop completely, replacing themselves with clusters of green, developing berries.	Start Outdoors: Corn, Kohlrabi, Rutabaga, Arugula, Asian greens, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chard, Cilantro, Dill, Endive, Kale, Lettuce, Parsnips, Scallions, Turnips Transplant: Basil, Brussels sprouts, Corn, Eggplant, Peppers, all Squash, Tomatoes, Artichoke, Beans, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Leeks, Melons, Pumpkins, Swiss chard Plant: dahlias and gladioli Prune: lilacs, forsythia, rhododendrons and azaleas after bloom. Move houseplants outdoors for cleaning, grooming, repotting and summer growth
Mid-June	~ Oceanspray reaches peak creamy bloom: The massive plumes turn completely cream-white, sweeping down valley hillsides like sea foam. ~ Native Bunchberry and Twinflower open: Low-lying woodland groundcovers push out their delicate blooms beneath the drying forest canopy. ~ Hairy Honeysuckle opens: Native orange-pink climbing honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula) flowers split open, drawing in local hummingbirds.	Start Outdoors: Carrots
Early July	~ Douglas Spiraea (Hardhack) opens: Bright pink, fuzzy, cone-shaped flower spikes burst open across wet meadows and roadside ditches. ~Thimbleberries and Salmonberries ripen: Wild native brambles finish blooming and drop their petals, revealing bright red, ripe berries ready for foraging.	Start Outdoors: Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Corn, Turnips, Collards, Kohlrabi Transplant: Corn, Eggplant, Peppers, Summer Squash
July	~ Pearly Everlasting opens: Clusters of distinct, white, paper-like button flowers with bright yellow centers split open in dry, sunny fields. ~ Red Elderberry fruits turn brilliant red: The creamy spring flower clusters are fully replaced by heavy, eye-catching bunches of bright red berries.	Start Outdoors: Asian Greens, Kale, Arugula, Basil, Beans, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage (early), Chard, Cilantro, Lettuce, Parsnips, Peas, larger Radish, Scallions, Spinach Transplant: Basil, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, Artichoke, Cucumbers, Leeks, Lettuce Dig spring bulbs when tops have died down; divide and store or replant Fertilize: rhubarb and asparagus Mound soil up around the base of your potato plants. Gather and eat a few “new” potatoes from each hill when plants begin to flower. Mulch to conserve soil moisture.
Mid-July	~ Tall Oregon Grape berries turn deep, dusty blue: The developing green berries fully ripen into heavy clusters of dark-purple fruits with a characteristic chalky, light-blue coating. ~ Native Trailing Blackberry and Salal berries ripen: Our native ground-trailing blackberries (Rubus ursinus) and forest-understory salal (Gaultheria shallon) fruits turn deep purple-black and are ready to harvest.	Start Outdoor: Fennel (bulbing)
Early August	~ Red Osier Dogwood berries turn white: The flat clusters of small white summer flowers are fully replaced by distinct, porcelain-white berries. ~ Thimbleberries finish fruiting: Wild thimbleberry canes drop their final soft red fruits, leaving behind dry, empty core cones.	Start Outdoors: Cabbage (early), Chard, Spinach Transplant: Basil, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Dill, Fennel (bulbing)
August	~ Bigleaf Maple seed pods (samaras) turn tan: The winged “helicopter” seeds completely lose their green color, turning papery, dry, and tan on the branches. ~ Fireweed seed pods split open: Wild fireweed stalks finish blooming from the bottom up, and their long pods split open to release fluffy, white, cotton-like seeds into the air. ~ Common Snowberry fruits swell into bright white: The tiny green summer berries fully puff up into their iconic, chalky, pure-white clumps along woodland borders.	Start Outdoors: Arugula, Lettuce, Asian greens, Beets, Broccoli raab, Cauliflower, Cilantro, Collards, Kale, Mustard greens, Peas, larger Radish, Salad greens, Swiss chard, Turnips Transplant: Kale, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Artichoke, Asian greens, Cilantro, Leeks, Lettuce, Salad greens, Scallions Fertilize cucumbers, summer squash and broccoli to maintain production while you continue harvesting. Clean and fertilize strawberry beds. Camellias need deep watering to develop flower buds for next spring. Prune: raspberries, boysenberries and other caneberries after harvest. Prune: cherry trees before fall rains begin Prune: dead fruiting canes in trailing blackberries and train new primocanes prior the to end of the month.
September	~ Vine Maple leaves change color: The leaves of native Vine Maples (Acer circinatum) in the forest understory transition from green to brilliant shades of neon yellow, orange, and fire-engine red. ~ Bigleaf Maple leaves turn yellow: The massive leaves on native Bigleaf Maples turn a uniform, warm buttery-yellow and begin actively dropping, blanketing the forest floors. ~ Common Snowberry fruits hit peak brightness: The pure, chalky-white berry clusters are completely swollen and highly visible along dry roadsides. ~ Douglas Fir “false fall” needle drop: Heavy carpets of older, yellowing inner fir needles drop from the canopy in a sudden burst.	Start Outdoors: Cover Crops, Arugula, Asian greens, Fava beans, Garlic (cloves), Lettuce, Onions (sets), Radish, Salad greens, Shallots (bulb), Beets, Cabbage (for spring), Endive, Kale Transplant: Kale, Lettuce, Salad greens, Sorrel Plant: daffodils, tulips and crocus for spring bloom. Work calcium and phosphorus into the soil below the bulbs at planting time. Remember when purchasing bulbs, the size of the bulb is directly correlated to the size of the flower yet to come in spring. Plant or transplant: woody ornamentals and mature herbaceous perennials. Fall planting of trees, shrubs and perennials can encourage healthy root growth over the winter. Harvest: winter squash when the “ground spot” changes from white to a cream or gold color. Potatoes when the tops die down. Store them in a dark location. Mulch carrots, parsnips and beets for winter harvesting. Divide peonies and iris. Clean houseplants, check for insects, and repot and fertilize if necessary; then bring them indoors.
October	~ Oregon White Oak acorns drop heavily: Mature native Garry White Oaks shed their heavy brown acorns across the valley floor. ~ Oregon Ash drops leaves completely: The compound yellow leaves of native ash trees drop entirely, leaving bare, winter-dormant branch silhouettes along creek banks and lowlands. ~ Vine Maples finish their brilliant display: The fiery red and orange leaves of the woodland understory maples finish falling, blanketing the forest floor. ~ First autumn rains trigger forest mushroom flushes: The arrival of our classic, steady October soaking rains prompts a sudden burst of native forest fungi (like wild Chanterelles).	Start Outdoors: Cover Crops, Fava beans, Garlic (cloves), Onion (sets), Shallots (bulbs), Radish Transplant: Bok Choi, Cabbage (over wintering), Lettuce, Salad greens Ripen green tomatoes indoors. Harvest: sunflower heads; use seed for bird feed or roast for personal use. Harvest squash and pumpkins; keep in dry area at 55°–60°F. Harvest and immediately dry filberts and walnuts; dry at 95°–100°F. Harvest and store apples; keep at about 40°F, moderate humidity. Dig and store potatoes; keep in darkness, moderate humidity, temperature about 40°F. Discard unused potatoes if they sprout. Don’t use as seed potatoes for next year. Mulch over roots of roses, azaleas, rhododendrons and berries for winter protection. Cover asparagus and rhubarb beds with a mulch of manure or compost. Prune out dead fruiting canes in raspberries. Dig and divide rhubarb. (Should be done about every 4 years.) Dig and store geraniums, tuberous begonias, dahlias and gladiolas.
November	~ Red Osier Dogwood twigs turn brilliant red: With all its leaves officially dropped, the bare bark of native red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) intensifies into a striking, bright coral-red or deep burgundy. ~ Licorice Ferns wake up on mossy tree trunks: The return of consistent, cold autumn rains triggers the fresh green fronds of native Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) to burst to life all over mossy bigleaf maple branches. ~ Deciduous canopy is completely bare: Bigleaf maples, white oaks, cottonwoods, and ashes are entirely stripped of their leaves.	Start Outdoors: Fava beans, Garlic (cloves), Onion (sets), Shallot (bulbs), some cover crops Plant/transplant trees and shrubs; still time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. Take cuttings of rhododendrons and camellias for propagation; propagate begonias from leaf cuttings. Prune roses (tea and floribunda, but NOT climbers and ramblers) to around 3 feet in height to prevent winter damage. Place mulch around berries for winter protection. Cover rhubarb and asparagus beds with composted manure and straw. You can use a 3- to 4-inch layer of leaves, spread over the garden plot, to eliminate winter weeds, suppress early spring weeds and prevent soil compaction by rain.
December	~ Oregon Grape leaves turn reddish-bronze: The glossy green leaves of our native Oregon Grape adapt to freezing winter temperatures by taking on beautiful plum, purple, or deep reddish-bronze protective winter tints. ~ Licorice Ferns reach peak vibrant growth: Thriving in the deep, cold dampness, these native ferns form lush, brilliant-green carpets across the trunks and branches of bare Bigleaf Maples.	REST and read seed catalogs, maybe organize your garden journal!