26 | SUMMER 2026 EDIBLE CENTRAL OREGON GARDENING THE HIGH DESERT Patience, Plots, and Community Words by Megan Westerberg | Photos courtesy of Miller’s Landing Community Garden and Worthy Environmental “Don’t plant until there’s no snow on Black Butte” echoes through the garden in May. This regional folk wisdom for planting warm weather crops does have merit, as the average last frost date often aligns with the absence of snow on the northern side of Black Butte. It can be tempting to plant tomatoes on a first warm day in early May, but you are risking heartbreak if you don’t have a greenhouse or row covers. While it rarely freezes in June, July, and August, it’s not impossible. Being a successful gardener in the High Desert requires checking the weather forecast often, and patience. But when summer hits and flowers are in full bloom, with pollinators taking laps around the garden, you’ll know it was worth the wait. Some people have garden spaces at home and can enjoy the view from their kitchen window. For those who don’t, community gardens are a valued but scarce resource. The anticipation starts in March, as most of the gardens require entering a lottery to secure a garden bed. By April, people are eagerly waiting to see if they have the opportunity to cultivate their own plot. There are over 200 garden beds available in Bend, split among four locations. If you are in good standing after your first year, you are invited back to cultivate the same bed. Only a small percentage of people who enter the lottery are awarded a bed. Those who are chosen to tend the beds are typically granted access from April through October, with irrigation included. The cost of a plot ranges from $15–$50 depending on size and garden sites, and scholarships are available through Bend Park and Recreation District. Being responsible for a patch of soil can feel a little intimidating, especially with a maximum of 100 growing days in the High Desert. Fortunately, there are resources to help both community garden members and the general public. Central Oregon Master Gardeners Association (COMGA) offers Franklin’s Corner
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