When to Plant Garlic in Marion County, OR
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Marion County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 422 feet, Marion County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Garlic Planting Timeline — Marion County, OR
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | September 18 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–240 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
193 days
Growing Tips for Marion County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Marion County, OR?
Marion County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, OR?
Marion County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Marion County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.