State growing guide
Alaska Planting Guide
USDA Zone 3b–4b · Last frost May 20 · First frost Sep 15 · 118 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Alaska.
Frost Dates by City — Alaska
Average frost dates for major Alaska cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | 3b | Jun 1 | Sep 5 | ~2 wks after (Jun 1) |
| Anchorage | 4b | May 15 | Sep 25 | ~2 wks after (May 15) |
| Juneau | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Kenai | 4a | May 25 | Sep 15 | ~2 wks after (May 25) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Alaska Gardeners
- Use row covers and cold frames to extend the short season
- Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost
- Giant vegetables are possible — 20-hour summer days supercharge growth
- Raised beds warm faster and help drain heavy rainfall
- Choose short-season varieties (under 70 days to maturity)
Common Challenges in Alaska
- ⚠ Very short growing season (60–120 days depending on location)
- ⚠ Soil is often acidic and needs lime amendment
- ⚠ Moose and voles are serious garden pests — fence everything
- ⚠ Continuous daylight affects some crops — use blackout cloth on onions
Best Crops for Alaska
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Alaska
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Alaska Gardening
What zone is Alaska?
Alaska spans Zones 1–8 depending on location. Fairbanks is Zone 3b, Anchorage is Zone 4–5, Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Sitka) is Zone 7–8 due to the oceanic climate.
When can I garden in Alaska?
In Anchorage, outdoor gardening runs roughly late May through early September — about 110 days. In Southeast Alaska (Juneau), the season is longer, April–October.
Can I grow tomatoes in Alaska?
Yes, in a greenhouse or hoop tunnel. Outdoor tomatoes in Anchorage need a sheltered south-facing wall and row covers. Fairbanks tomatoes are possible but challenging without protection.