When to Plant Jostaberry in Umatilla County, OR
Your May planting checklist for Umatilla County, Oregon
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Umatilla County, Oregon this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Set out jostaberry seedlings
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Jostaberry is a thornless hybrid of black currant and gooseberry, producing medium-sized, dark berries with a complex, tart-sweet flavor. It is vigorous and disease-resistant.
Umatilla County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 2,195 feet, Umatilla County receives approximately 14.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Jostaberry during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Jostaberry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Umatilla County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Umatilla County
How your county's soil matches Jostaberry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Jostaberry's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Umatilla County is excellent for Jostaberry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Jostaberry will thrive.
How to Plant Jostaberry
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Jostaberry
Jostaberry needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Jostaberry Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Umatilla County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jostaberry 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.
Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Umatilla County, OR
Jostaberry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
· 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Umatilla County
Growing Tips for Jostaberry in Umatilla County
Direct sow Jostaberry outdoors after April 23 in Umatilla County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 180.0-day growing season in Umatilla County is tight for Jostaberry (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Umatilla County receives only 15" of rain annually. Jostaberry needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant in rich, well-drained soil. No special pruning required beyond removing old wood. Self-fertile but yields improve with a second bush. Berries ripen midsummer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jostaberry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jostaberry in Umatilla County, OR?
Umatilla County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Jostaberry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Umatilla County, OR?
Umatilla County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Umatilla County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Umatilla 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.