What to plant this week in Fairbanks, AK
With the last frost finally averaging out to May 15, Fairbanks gardeners can now aggressively move cold-hardy transplants into their gardens as snowmelt recedes from this year's unusually early melt. This week marks a critical window where the soil warms enough for late-spring crops like Swiss Chard and Kale to establish before the inevitable summer heat stress sets in.
The next 7 days
Fairbanks, AKGrowing in Fairbanks right now
- Monitor the notoriously frosty nights of late May carefully, as microclimates near river banks or open slopes can see temps drop well below 25°F even after the average date passes.
- The heavy clay soils common in Interior Alaska retain moisture but drain poorly; amend planting holes with coarse sand and organic compost to prevent root rot on tomatoes and squash.
- Protect young seedlings from sudden, intense afternoon sun which can scorch tender leaves like Scarlet Runner Beans before they are fully acclimated to the long daylight hours.
- Take advantage of the short growing season by prioritizing fast-maturing varieties for beans and squashes that need a full 90 days to reach harvest maturity.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
38 crops- Bachelor's Button (Cornflower)
- Beet
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cabbage
- Calendula
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Cherry Tomato
- Chervil
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Collard Greens
- Cosmos
- Dill
- Fava (Broad) Bean
- French Marigold
- Garlic
- German Chamomile
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Napa Cabbage
- Onion
- Pansy
- Parsley
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Scallion (Bunching Onion)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shallot
- Snapdragon
- Sweet Alyssum
- Swiss Chard
- Tomato
- Turnip
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Harvest bush beans, pole beans, sweet corn, zucchini, and yellow summer squash before the first frost hits on September 15.
- Protect tender transplants like lettuce and cabbage with row covers if a late spring chill is forecasted after May 15.
- Begin succession sowing carrots and beets now to ensure a steady supply of root vegetables through the growing season.
- Start indoor seedlings for next year's garlic or overwintering crops if your specific microclimate allows.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early aphid colonies forming on the undersides of Cabbage and Collard Greens as temperatures rise above 50°F.
- Check Potato and Tomato plants regularly for Colorado Potato Beetles, which often hatch in late May when soil temps hit 45-50°F.
- Prevent powdery mildew on Zinnias and Cosmos by ensuring good air circulation, especially if recent rains have kept the ground saturated.
Watering this week
Water deeply but less frequently as soil warms after May 15, allowing plants to establish deep roots before summer heat arrives.
Since frost dates are wide-ranging here, always have row covers on hand for unexpected cold snaps between late April and mid-May.
Fairbanks gardening questions
3Can I start my summer squash seeds indoors now?
No, Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini are sensitive to cold roots and should be transplanted only after all danger of frost has completely passed. Wait until at least mid-June when soil temperatures consistently stay above 60°F for optimal germination and growth.
When is the best time to plant my Garlic bulbs?
Garlic is a fall crop in Fairbanks; you should plant your cloves now or within the next few weeks while the ground is still workable. They need a period of cold dormancy, known as vernalization, to produce strong stalks and large heads before winter.
Why are my transplanted Tomatoes wilting even though it hasn't rained?
Fairbanks clay soil can hold moisture for days after a light rain, but the intense sun may cause rapid evaporation leading to drought stress. Check if the root ball is sitting in compacted soil and gently loosen the surrounding earth to encourage better water penetration.
Other cities in zone 3a
1See the full zone 3a guide → · Plan your Fairbanks garden in SproutGuide →