Most of central Oregon is in USDA growing zones 6a to 7a, with winter temperatures as low as -10 degrees. However, small pockets of central Oregon are in zone 5b, where temperatures can drop to -15.
For reference, central Oregon is commonly considered Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The growing zones here, also called planting zones or hardiness zones, help gardeners and growers determine which plants are best suited for their location.
Let’s take a deeper look at the growing zones in central Oregon and what they mean.
Deschutes County
Much of central and western Deschutes County is in growing zone 6b, while the eastern corner of the county is in 6a.
Winter temperatures drop as low as -10 degrees in 6a, on average. As a gardener, it’s also important to know that our growing season is pretty short – about 80 to 95 days. The first frost of the fall hits here between mid-September and early October, and the last frost in the spring hits around early May.
Growing zone 6b is only slightly different. The average winter low is -5, and the growing season is 90 to 100 days.
Cities in Deschutes and their growing zones
Bend: 6b
Sisters: 6a
La Pine: 6a
Three Rivers: 6a, 6b
Crook County
Crook County is mostly a mix of growing zones 6a and 6b. Eastern Crook County is predominantly the cooler 6a zone, while western and northern Crook are mostly in zone 6b.
Central Crook County is in growing zone 7a, where the temperature rarely gets below 0. And a pocket of northeast Crook County, on the border with Wheeler County, is in growing zone 5b.
In most of Crook County expect the first frost of fall between mid-September and early October and the last frost of the year in late April or early May .
Cities in Crook and their growing zones
Post: 7a
Prineville: 6b
Pauline: 6a
Jefferson County
Despite being further north than Deschutes and Crook counties, Jefferson County is slightly warmer and more hospitable to your plants, owing to its lower elevation. For example, Madras sits just over 2,200 feet above sea level, and Warm Springs is at 1,000 feet.
That’s why Jefferson County is almost entirely in growing zone 7a, with low temperatures of about 0 degrees and a slightly longer growing season of 95-120 days. You can expect the first frost of fall here around mid-October to early November, and the last frost in spring in late March or early April.
Cities in Jefferson and their growing zones
Madras: 7a
Culver: 7a
Warm Springs:7a
Willowdale: 7a
More lawn care resources for central Oregon
Knowing what growing zone you live in is the first step to successful gardening and landscaping because it helps you understand what plants thrive in your area. Then, you have to know how to care for them.
Here are some additional resources to help.
When to Plant Grass Seed in Oregon
The Best Grass Seed for Central Oregon
Central Oregon Native Plants for Landscaping
Trust the pros
Achieving the yard you want takes a great deal of knowledge and effort. Perhaps you’re not confident enough in your skills to get the results you want, or maybe you just don’t want to expend the effort.
Then call Lawn Love. Our pros understand central Oregon and know how to get the most out of your lawn and landscaping, and they’re the most respected and dependable in the industry. Contact us for a free quote.
Main Image Credit: Ian Poellet | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
