College, AK planting zone & frost dates
College is in USDA hardiness zone 2b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 18 and the first fall frost around September 6, for a growing season of about 111 days.
Planting calendar for College
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 18) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 Transplant outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: Jun 1 – Jun 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: Jun 1 – Jun 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 Transplant outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Jul 12 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 6).
Useful for zone 2b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | May 7 | May 18 | Jun 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Sep 20 | Sep 6 | Aug 24 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before August 24. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 7.
Nearby cities
- Fairbanks zone 2b, last frost May 16
- Badger zone 2a, last frost May 22
- Knik-Fairview zone 5a, last frost May 18
- Eagle River zone 5a, last frost May 9
- Anchorage zone 5a, last frost May 1
- Juneau zone 7a, last frost Apr 20
Questions
What growing zone is College, AK?
College is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 2b (average extreme winter low -45°F to -40°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in College?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in College is May 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in College?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 25 – Jun 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station College Obsy, AK (USC00502107), 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 182 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.