What to plant in December in Oregon
In Oregon (OR), December sits about 18 weeks before the average last frost (April 20). The state averages 181 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 18; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9a, 9b).
Almost nothing is due to be sown in December - it's a month for planning, ordering seed and looking after what's already growing.
Dates here come from Oregon frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 18). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Oregon.
Oregon covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Oregon: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in Oregon
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Oregon: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Oregon
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
A planning month: December garden jobs in Oregon
- Order seed while stock is good. Oregon's average last frost is April 20, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 26 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - December is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Oregon
Oregon spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9a, 9b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Oregon in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Oregon in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Oregon in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Oregon have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 23.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Oregon in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Oregon have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 16.
When is the first frost in Oregon?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 18 and the last spring frost around April 20. Oregon covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Oregon’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.