Dig In: A Portlander's Guide to Spring Gardening (and Eating What You – Farm to Fit

Dig In: A Portlander's Guide to Spring Gardening (and Eating What You Grow)

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Spring Has Sprung (Finally): Let’s Get Dirty

It’s that magical moment in Portland when the daffodils pop, the rain slows to a drizzle (some days), and every other neighbor is suddenly wielding a trowel. Spring is here—and your garden is calling.

Whether you’re working with raised beds, patio pots, or just a sunny windowsill, this is the time to plant something green, fresh, and possibly edible.

 

What to Plant Right Now

This is go-time for gardeners. May is the sweet spot: the soil is warming up, the sun sticks around longer, and everything wants to grow.

🫛 Cool crops you can still sneak in early May:

  • Lettuce

  • Spinach

  • Swiss chard

  • Radishes

  • Beets

  • Turnips
    (But get on it—these prefer cooler temps.)

🌞 Warm-season lovers to plant all month long:

  • Tomatoes (start with healthy transplants)

  • Peppers (give them a warm, sunny spot)

  • Zucchini and summer squash

  • Cucumbers

  • Green beans

  • Corn (yes, it’ll grow here—if you’ve got space and sun!)

  • Basil, dill, cilantro (heat lovers, but bolt fast—succession plant)

🍓 Bonus for May:

  • Strawberries – Plant everbearing or June-bearing varieties now for sweet summer harvests.

  • Potatoes – Are still okay to plant early in the month for a late-summer dig.

  • Flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums – great companions for veggie gardens and totally edible!

Herbs That Love the Portland Vibe

🌿 Cilantro and parsley – Thrive in cooler weather.
🌿 Thyme, oregano, and chives – Perennial MVPs that bounce back every year.
🌿 Mint – Great for teas and cocktails… just keep it in a pot unless you want a mint takeover.

Portland Gardening Pro Tips

  • Compost is your friend: Portland’s clay soil needs the fluff. Add organic matter before you plant.

  • Slugs are not your friend: Beer traps, copper tape, or crushed eggshells can help.

  • Mulch early, mulch often: Keeps weeds down and moisture in—your summer self will thank you.

  • Rotate crops: Don’t plant tomatoes in the same spot every year. They’re picky like that.

No Yard? No Problem.

Urban gardening is alive and well. Try:

Or go vertical with a balcony-friendly container garden. (Yes, cherry tomatoes will grow in a 5-gallon bucket.)

What to Grow for a Farm to Fit-Inspired Garden

Want your backyard to feel like our kitchen? Here are a few spring picks that show up on our menu:

🥗 Rainbow chard – Gorgeous, nutrient-packed, and surprisingly hardy.
🍓 Strawberries – Plant now, pick in June, eat before anyone else does.
🍽️ Arugula – Peppery, prolific, and perfect under a poached egg.
🌱 Herbs galore – A fresh sprinkle of parsley or basil can change everything.

 

Got a garden win to share?
Tag us @farmtofit and show us your #PortlandPlanted plate.

Want to know about the gardening gloves we can't live without?
Check them out here.