Community & Local Garden Guide
Your resource for successful gardening in Grants Pass and the Rogue Valley.
Rogue Valley Planting Calendar
Gardening in the Rogue Valley means paying attention to our distinct seasons and frost dates. The average last frost date is around April 19th, and the first average frost is around October 19th. Use this calendar as a general guide.
- Early Spring (Late Feb - March): Start seeds indoors for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Direct sow cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and carrots outdoors as soon as the soil is workable.
- Late Spring (April - May): After the danger of frost has passed (around mid-May), transplant your warm-season seedlings into the garden. This is also a great time to plant beans, corn, and squash directly into the soil.
- Summer (June - August): Keep your garden well-watered. Plant fall crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale in late summer for a second harvest.
- Fall (September - October): Harvest your summer vegetables. Plant garlic, cover crops, and native perennials, shrubs, and trees to let their roots establish over the wet winter.
Recommended Native Plants for Landscaping
Using native plants is the best way to create a resilient, low-maintenance garden that supports local wildlife. Here are some excellent choices for our area:
Trees
- Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana): A majestic, drought-tolerant cornerstone of the local ecosystem.
- Madrone (Arbutus menziesii): Famous for its beautiful peeling red bark and evergreen leaves.
- Vine Maple (Acer circinatum): Offers stunning fall color and thrives in partial shade.
Shrubs
- Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum): An early-spring bloomer that is a magnet for hummingbirds.
- Tall Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium): Our state flower! Features yellow flowers, edible berries, and is deer-resistant.
- Blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus): A fast-growing shrub with beautiful blue flowers that pollinators love.
Perennials & Groundcovers
- Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum): A cheerful, yellow-flowering perennial that is very drought-tolerant.
- Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa): A delicate, beautiful plant for shady, moist areas.
- Kinnikinnick / Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): A tough, evergreen groundcover perfect for sunny, dry spots.
Common Pests & Organic Solutions
A healthy garden starts with healthy soil. But even in the best conditions, pests can appear. Here’s how to handle them sustainably:
- Aphids: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or use a strong spray of water to knock them off plants. For persistent issues, use insecticidal soap.
- Slugs & Snails: Hand-pick them in the evening or create barriers with crushed eggshells or copper tape.
- Caterpillars: Use floating row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs on crops like cabbage and broccoli. Hand-pick any caterpillars you find.
- Ants & Termites: While more of a household pest, keeping your garden clear of debris and wood piles near your home can prevent infestations. Botanical oil-based treatments are an effective, eco-friendly option.
- Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation around plants by spacing them properly. Neem oil sprays can be an effective preventative measure.
The best defense is a good offense. Building rich, organic soil with products like Daley Organics creates stronger, healthier plants that are naturally more resistant to pests and diseases.