What to plant this week in Anchorage, AK
With temperatures hovering near -20°F and frost dates far off until early October, Anchorage gardeners are in a deep winter lull where outdoor soil is frozen solid. This week is strictly for planning your spring timeline rather than touching the ground, as nothing can be sown or transplanted in this harsh northern climate.
The next 7 days
Anchorage, AKGrowing in Anchorage right now
- Keep seed catalogs and planting guides handy now to map out your succession planting schedule once the May 8th frost date approaches.
- Avoid breaking up frozen soil; wait for natural thawing to prevent creating a hardpan that hinders spring root growth.
- If you have greenhouse access, use this dry week to start cold frames or inspect insulation against heavy snow loads.
- Remember that Anchorage's short growing season requires immediate action in April as daylight rapidly increases.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
No harvest windows opening just yet.
Seasonal tips
- Finish clearing debris from last year's garden to reduce winter pests and diseases.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over perennial beds once the ground has frozen solid to prevent heaving.
- Plan your spring succession schedule by calculating days-to-maturity for crops you want in early summer.
Pest & disease watch
- Ants are active now and often nest under debris; clear the perimeter of your future garden beds before spring to prevent them from colonizing seedlings later.
- Monitor for winter moth pupae under mulch if you left it over, as they will emerge with the first thaw in early May.
- Check stored bulbs for mold or rot before bringing them into storage this week.
Watering this week
Avoid watering the garden until the ground thaws to prevent ice formation that could damage root systems.
Now is an excellent time to sharpen your tools and organize your seed inventory so you are ready to plant immediately when the frost date passes.
Anchorage gardening questions
3Can I start my vegetable seeds indoors this week?
No, you must wait until late April to start most cool-season crops like lettuce and peas indoors; starting too early risks leggy growth before the light levels increase enough for Anchorage's spring.
How long do I need to wait before my soil is workable?
Soil in Anchorage generally becomes workable around May 10-15, depending on snow depth and rainfall, so mark your calendar just after the average last frost date of May 8.
What should I do with my perennial beds now?
Leave perennials undisturbed under snow cover to protect them from extreme cold; only clear paths for access and avoid shoveling snow directly onto tender crowns.
Other cities in zone 5a
6See the full zone 5a guide → · Plan your Anchorage garden in SproutGuide →