When to Plant Currants in Boardman, OR
Your June planting checklist for Morrow County, Oregon
Your garden in Morrow County, Oregon is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Boardman, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 2,335 feet, Morrow County receives approximately 20.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.
Boardman Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Currants 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 Boardman
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Currants's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morrow County is excellent for Currants — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Currants.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Currants will thrive.
How to Plant Currants
Currants Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Currants
Currants needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Currants Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.7" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.8" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morrow County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Currants 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.
Currants Planting Timeline — Boardman, OR
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Morrow County
Growing Tips for Currants in Boardman
Direct sow Currants outdoors after April 25 in Morrow County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 173.0-day growing season in Morrow County is tight for Currants (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in a sheltered location with morning sun. Prune out wood older than 3 years to encourage new fruiting wood. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Currants in Other Locations
Your Morrow County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morrow County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.