When to Plant Rutabaga in Curry County, OR
May to-do list for Curry County, Oregon
Your Curry County, Oregon garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Pick rutabaga
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: rutabaga
Rutabagas are a cross between turnips and cabbage, producing large yellow-fleshed roots with a sweet, mild flavor. They are excellent mashed, roasted, or in stews.
Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 295 feet, Curry County receives approximately 53.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rutabaga root diseases.
Curry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Curry County
How your county's soil matches Rutabaga's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Rutabaga's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Curry County is excellent for Rutabaga — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Rutabaga will thrive.
How to Plant Rutabaga
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Rutabaga
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 26.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rutabaga
Rutabaga needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rutabaga Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0.8" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0.9" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 7.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Curry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rutabaga 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.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Curry County, OR
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 26 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
245 days in Curry County
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Curry County
Direct sow Rutabaga outdoors after March 21 in Curry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Rutabaga in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early summer for fall harvest. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Flavor improves significantly after a few light frosts.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rutabaga in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rutabaga in Curry County, OR?
Curry County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Curry County, OR?
Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 21.
Your Curry County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Curry County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.