When to Plant Raspberries in Union County, OR
Raspberries are beloved bramble fruits producing sweet, delicate berries in red, golden, black, and purple varieties. They spread by underground runners and are very productive.
Union County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 2,751 feet, Union County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Raspberries during the growing season.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Union County
How your county's soil matches Raspberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.6) overlaps with Raspberries's range (5.5–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Union County is excellent for Raspberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Raspberries.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.6%) — Raspberries will thrive.
How to Plant Raspberries
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Raspberries
Raspberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Raspberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Raspberries Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Raspberries Planting Timeline — Union County, OR
Raspberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
· 24" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Raspberries in Union County
Direct sow Raspberries outdoors after May 12 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 137.0-day growing season in Union County is tight for Raspberries (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Union County receives only 24" of rain annually. Raspberries needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Provide a trellis for support. Prune summer-bearing types by removing spent canes after harvest. For ever-bearing types, mow all canes in late winter for a single fall crop.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Raspberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Raspberries in Union County, OR?
Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, OR?
Union County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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