When to Plant Kiwi in Sherman County, OR
May in Sherman County, Oregon — your action list
A quick May briefing for Sherman County, Oregon gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Plant out kiwi
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Kiwi vines produce fuzzy, tangy-sweet fruits and need both male and female plants for pollination. Hardy kiwi varieties (A. arguta) are suited to colder climates.
Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 862 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kiwi during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kiwi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Sherman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.3
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 Sherman County
How your county's soil matches Kiwi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.3) is within Kiwi's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sherman County is excellent for Kiwi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Kiwi will thrive.
How to Plant Kiwi
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kiwi
Kiwi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kiwi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sherman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kiwi 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.
Kiwi Planting Timeline — Sherman County, OR
Kiwi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
· 72" apart · Rows 96" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Sherman County
Growing Tips for Kiwi in Sherman County
Direct sow Kiwi outdoors after April 14 in Sherman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 186.0-day growing season in Sherman County is tight for Kiwi (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Sherman County receives only 15" of rain annually. Kiwi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant one male vine for every 6-8 female vines. Provide a very sturdy arbor or T-bar trellis. Prune heavily in winter. Protect young plants from frost in cold zones.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kiwi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kiwi in Sherman County, OR?
Sherman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Kiwi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sherman County, OR?
Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Sherman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sherman County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.