Despite the weather, the chores must be done

This week marks 4 weeks untill the last average frost date in our region.  Gardeners gauge their chores by the calendar and scheduling chores in reference to the Last Average Frost Date is the best way to make plans.

The following graph shows the AVERAGE last frost date of February 3rd for 97415.  We who have lived here for more than a couple of years know....best to err on the safe side.  With so many varied micro-climates (Chetco River, Gardner Ridge, Ocean Side, sheltered town, exposed ridges) go with April 15 - 25 to be safe.  I remember a year when we had snow on Memorial Day.  I believe that was 2007.

The AMAZING thing is check out the number of freeze-free days a year.  334.  That means we can grow a 4 season garden.  Let's get started on chores for this week.  Remember, Science, Art, Math and Language Arts (Latin) can be incorporated into your school age students classes.  Take them outside and get your hands in the soil!

Seed Sowing Indoors: (most of these seeds are available from the Chetco Seed Library)
Tomatoes
Peppers
Lettuce, chard, kale, endive
Cabbage
Peas
Brussels Sprout
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Basil
Leeks (seed)
Onions (seeds)

Plant out (greenhouse or in ground if it can be worked) 
Potatoes  
Garlic
Peas
Carrots

Chores:
*  Build raised beds where soils are poor
*  Start incorporating organic matter, wood ash, compost into beds to prepare for planting
*  Spade under cover crops if you planted them last fall
*  Divide Rhubarb crowns to share or replant elsewhere
*  Start a compost pile 

As the weeks unfold and hopefully the weather cooperates the work we do now in our gardens will pay off with AMAZING home grown food.  Happy Gardening!

Harbor, OR (97415)

Nearest Station: BROOKINGS 2 SE, OR

Last Frost Date: February 3

First Frost Date: January 4

You have at least 334 freeze-free days in a year.

To show the dates above, we use probability level of 50% and frost temperature of 32°F. If you want to start your garden earlier in the spring with a higher risk of frost, or later with a lower risk, use the following table:

Last Frost Date

°F	90%	50%	10%
36°	Mar 5	Apr 4	May 3
32°	-	Feb 3	Mar 22
28°	-	-	Jan 22

First Frost Date

°F	10%	50%	90%
36°	Nov 7	Dec 2	Dec 27
32°	Nov 21	Jan 4	-
28°	Dec 30	-	-

Data provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Probability level (90%, 50%, 10%) is the chance of the temperature to go below the threshold after the last frost date or before the first frost date. Using a lower probability means you have lower risk of unexpected forst damage but shorter gardening days in a year. Empty cells indicate very small to zero chance of frost.