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Salem, OR Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Salem usually comes around Apr 1 and the first fall frost around Nov 16, a growing season of about 229 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4 and plant them outside Apr 15 – Apr 29.

Last spring frostApr 1
First fall frostNov 16
Growing season229 days

When to plant vegetables in Salem

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 18 – Mar 4Apr 15 – Apr 29—
PeppersFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 22 – May 6—
EggplantFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 22 – May 6—
Cucumbers—Apr 15 – Apr 29—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 15 – Apr 29—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 22 – May 6—
Green beans—Apr 15 – Apr 29Aug 24 – Sep 7
Sweet corn—Apr 15 – Apr 29—
BasilMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 15 – Apr 29—
LettuceFeb 4 – Feb 18Mar 4 – Apr 15Sep 21 – Oct 5
Spinach—Feb 18 – Mar 11Sep 21 – Oct 5
Peas—Feb 18 – Mar 11Sep 7 – Sep 21
Carrots—Mar 4 – Apr 8Aug 24 – Sep 7
Radishes—Feb 25 – Apr 15Oct 5 – Oct 19
BroccoliJan 21 – Feb 4Mar 4 – Mar 18Aug 24 – Sep 7
KaleFeb 4 – Feb 18Feb 25 – Mar 11Sep 7 – Sep 21
Onions—Mar 4 – Mar 18—
Potatoes—Mar 11 – Apr 8—
Garlic——Nov 2 – Dec 7

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Salem. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Salem

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Salem?

The median last spring frost is Apr 1 and the median first fall frost is Nov 16, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Salem?

Start seeds indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4 and set plants outside Apr 15 – Apr 29, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Salem?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 16): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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