Elgin, OR frost dates
How Elgin compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Elgin falls between May 1 and June 21, a 51-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 1 and October 3.
- The median last frost is 38 days later than the Oregon median of Apr 16.
- Its 117-day growing season is longer than 12% of the 345 Oregon places with a regular frost season (state median 193 days).
- The last frost is 32 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 164 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Pasco, WA, 117 km away, the last frost here is 27 days later than there and the growing season is 50 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 1 |
| 50% (median) | May 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 1 |
| 50% (median) | September 18 |
| 90% (late) | October 3 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Elgin, OR
Elgin, OR frost dates — last frost May 24, first frost Sep 18, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Elgin, OR
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 3 – May 17 | Apr 26 – May 31 | Jul 24 – Aug 21 |
| Kale | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Broccoli | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 |
| Cabbage | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 3 – May 17 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 |
| Okra | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — |
| Basil | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 19 – May 31 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 26 – May 3 | Jun 7 – Jun 14 | May 31 – Jun 14 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 26 – May 3 | — | May 31 – Jun 14 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 26 – May 3 | — | May 31 – Jun 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 26 – May 3 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 3 – May 31 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
| Beets | — | — | May 3 – May 31 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 3 – May 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 10 – Jun 7 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 31 – Jun 21 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 31 – Jun 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 7 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Elgin, OR weather station, 3 km away (elevation 2,697 ft (822 m)).
Frost dates near Elgin
- Summerville May 24 · Sep 18
- Imbler May 24 · Sep 18
- Wallowa Jun 7 · Sep 9
- Cove May 11 · Sep 26
- La Grande May 6 · Oct 1
- Lostine Jun 7 · Sep 9
- Meacham frost any month
- Weston Mar 25 · Oct 29
- Union May 11 · Sep 26
- Enterprise May 24 · Oct 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elgin, OR?
The median last spring frost in Elgin, OR is May 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Elgin, OR?
The median first fall frost is September 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 1.
How long is the growing season in Elgin, OR?
About 117 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elgin, OR?
Elgin, OR is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.