Brought to you by garden.gg Brought to you by garden.gg USDA zone 2 has average annual minimum temperatures of -50 to -40 F and one of the shortest, coolest growing seasons in North America, with a hard frost possible in any month and a frost-free window of roughly 11-13 weeks. Success depends on cold-hardy short-season varieties, indoor seed-starting, and season-extension structures.
States & regions in Zone 2: Interior Alaska (Fairbanks area), Northern Minnesota (Iron Range, International Falls), Northern North Dakota, Northeastern Montana high plains, Northern Maine (Aroostook County, scattered pockets)
Zone 2 is among the coldest growing regions in North America, with barely 90 frost-free days and a hard frost possible in any month. Cold-hardy short-season varieties, indoor seed-starting, and season extenders aren't extras here — they're the whole game.
Pro tip: Start everything you can indoors and lean on cold frames, low tunnels, and row covers to stretch the season at both ends.
Start tracking your zone 2 garden — free
The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 2's climate and frost timing.
Spring is short and arrives late in zone 2; the ground may not be workable until early-to-mid May. Most of spring is spent starting seeds indoors and direct-sowing only the hardiest cool-season crops once soil thaws, while protecting everything from hard late frosts that persist into early June.
Mid Mar - Apr
Start 6-8 weeks before transplant; choose ultra-short-season cold-set varieties (z3 lower bound, marginal but workable in z2 with protection).
Early Mar - Mar
Slowest warm crop; start 8-10 weeks early under lights. Marginal in z2 - grow in containers/greenhouse.
Late Feb - Mar
Start long-day varieties early; among the first seeds to sow indoors.
Late Feb - Mar
Slow grower; start very early under lights.
Mid Mar - Apr
Needs a long head start; keep warm and moist.
Mid Mar - Apr
Very slow; start 10-12 weeks before transplant.
Early Apr - Late Apr
Start 5-6 weeks before transplant for cool late-spring growth.
Early Apr - Late Apr
Start indoors; harden off carefully.
Early Apr - Late Apr
Very cold-tolerant transplant; reliable z2 crop.
Late Mar - Apr
Needs the full season; start early and transplant late spring.
Mid Apr - Late Apr
Quick brassica; can also direct-sow after frost.
Mid Apr - Late Apr
Prone to bolting in heat; best for cool spring transition.
Early May - Late May
Sow as soon as soil can be worked; very frost-tolerant (z2 hardy).
Early May - Late May
Direct sow early; tolerates light frost.
Early May - Mid May
Cool-season legume; plant as soon as ground is workable.
Early May - Late May
Very cold-hardy; bolts in heat so sow early.
Early May - Late May
Direct sow successions; tolerates light frost (z2 hardy).
Early May - Late May
Fastest crop; ready in 25-30 days, sow successions.
Early May - Late May
Quick, cold-tolerant green; sow successions.
Early May - Late May
Fast cool-season green; very hardy.
Mid May - Late May
Cold-tolerant; thin and use greens too.
Mid May - Late May
Sow into worked soil; germination slow in cold ground.
Early May - Late May
Quick cool-season root; very hardy (z2).
Mid May - Late May
Long-season root; sow as early as possible.
Mid May - Late May
Slow germinator needing the full season; flavor sweetens after frost.
Mid May - Late May
Productive all summer; sow once soil warms slightly.
Early May - Late May
Extremely cold-hardy; can also start indoors for transplant.
Mid May - Late May
Hardy brassica green; tolerates frost.
Mid May - Late May
Bolts in heat; best in cool spring window (z2 hardy).
Mid May - Early Jun
Plant seed potatoes after soil reaches ~45F; hill as they grow (z2 hardy).
Early May - Mid May
Spring-plant if fall mulch failed; fall planting preferred. Mulch heavily.
Early May - Mid May
Plant sets as soon as ground is workable.
Mid May - Late May
Plant sets/transplants outdoors after hardening off.
Mid May - Late May
Plant crowns in a permanent bed; cold-hardy perennial (z2).
Mid May - Late May
Plant crowns/divisions; reliable cold-hardy perennial.
Mid May - Late May
Plant bare-root crowns; choose hardy June-bearers.
Mid May - Late May
Bolts fast; sow successions through spring.
Mid May - Late May
Direct sow; self-seeds readily.
Late Mar - Apr
Slow to germinate; start indoors and transplant.
Mid May - Late May
Hardy perennial; divide and plant clumps.
Early May - Late May
Cool-season flower; sow early for fragrant blooms (z2 hardy).
Late Mar - Apr
Start indoors; tolerates light frost when hardened off.
Mid May - Late May
Cold-tolerant; can sow as soon as soil works.
Summer is the brief, intense main growing season with long daylight hours (especially in interior Alaska) that partly compensate for the short calendar. After the early-June frost risk passes, transplant all warm-season crops and direct-sow the remaining heat-lovers, racing to harvest before the early-September frost.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant only after frost danger; use walls-of-water or a tunnel. Pick determinate short-season types.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Marginal outdoors; best in containers or greenhouse with season extension.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Start indoors 3-4 weeks then transplant; very productive (z3 lower bound, OK with care).
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant after frost; black mulch warms soil.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Choose fastest-maturing types; start indoors for a head start.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Use early small-fruited varieties; needs the entire frost-free window.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Pick the earliest-maturing pie types; start indoors.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Sow earliest short-season hybrids once soil is warm; block-plant for pollination.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Direct sow after frost; warmth-dependent so wait for warm soil (z3).
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Sow after frost; needs a trellis and the full warm window.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Tolerates cool weather better than common beans; ornamental and edible.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Choose the shortest-season variety; needs warm soil.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Cold-sensitive; transplant under cover and use row covers early.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Marginal (z4 lower bound) - grow in containers/greenhouse; start indoors early.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Marginal (z4) - protect with season extension; plant two for pollination.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Set out hardened transplants; quick to harvest.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant for summer heads; harvest side shoots into fall.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Set out transplants; very reliable in cool z2 summers.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant; blanch heads and keep evenly watered.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant for a long fall harvest; flavor improves after frost.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant hardened seedlings; keep constantly moist.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant and trench/hill for blanched stems.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Set out hardened transplants if not done in spring.
Early Jun - Jul
Sow successions for continuous harvest.
Early Jun - Jun
Succession sow for a fall harvest of roots and greens.
Early Jun - Jun
Main-crop sowing; mulch to keep soil moisture even.
Early Jun - Jul
Succession sow in cooler/shaded spots to avoid bolting.
Early Jun - Jun
Heat-tolerant and productive all summer.
Early Jun - Jul
Sow for fall harvest; sweetens after frost.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Finish planting; hill regularly through summer.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Very cold-sensitive (z4) - container-grow and keep warm; transplant only after nights warm.
Early Jun - Jul
Succession sow for fresh leaf and seed.
Early Jun - Jul
Sow successions in cooler weeks to slow bolting.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Sow short-season varieties after frost; thrives in long-day light (z2).
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Edible flowers/leaves; sow after frost (z2 hardy as annual).
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Transplant for pest deterrence and color all summer.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Warm-loving; transplant after frost for reliable bloom.
Early Jun - Mid Jun
Easy from seed after frost; tolerates poor soil.
Early Jun - Jun
Bee magnet; self-seeds and tolerates cool nights (z2).
Early Jun - Jul
Cool-tolerant; succession sow for continuous edible blooms.
Fall comes early and fast - the first hard frost typically lands in early September. The season is mostly about harvesting and curing the main crop, putting in frost-sweetened cold-hardy greens and roots under cover, and planting garlic for next year before the ground freezes hard.
Mid Sep - Early Oct
Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily (12+ inches) for winter (z3 hardy).
Late Aug - Early Sep
Overwintering sow under mulch/cold frame for very early spring harvest; or quick fall crop.
Late Aug - Early Sep
Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters under cover for spring greens (z3).
Winter in zone 2 is long, dark, and brutally cold (-40 F and below) with the ground frozen solid - there is no outdoor planting. This is the season for planning, ordering seeds, maintaining mulch on overwintered garlic and perennials, and starting the earliest indoor seedlings under lights toward the end of winter.
Late Feb
Begin onions and leeks under lights at winter's end - they need the longest indoor lead time.
Late Feb
Start under lights in late winter for June transplant.
Late Feb
Slow-growing; sow indoors before winter ends.
Late Feb
Needs the longest warm lead time of the fruiting crops; start under lights with heat mat.
Start-indoors, direct-sow, transplant, and harvest windows for every crop in zone 2.
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | — | Early May - Late May | — | — | Quick, cold-tolerant green; sow successions. |
| Asparagus | — | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Plant crowns in a permanent bed; cold-hardy perennial (z2). |
| Beet | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Sep - Late Sep | Cold-tolerant; thin and use greens too. |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | — | Mid May - Late May | — | — | Bolts in heat; best in cool spring window (z2 hardy). |
| Broccoli | Early Apr - Late Apr | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Start 5-6 weeks before transplant for cool late-spring growth. |
| Brussels Sprouts | Late Mar - Apr | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | Sep - Oct | Needs the full season; start early and transplant late spring. |
| Bush Bean | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Direct sow after frost; warmth-dependent so wait for warm soil (z3). |
| Cabbage | Early Apr - Late Apr | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | Sep - Oct | Very cold-tolerant transplant; reliable z2 crop. |
| Carrot | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Sep - Oct | Sow into worked soil; germination slow in cold ground. |
| Cauliflower | Early Apr - Late Apr | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Start indoors; harden off carefully. |
| Celeriac | Mid Mar - Apr | — | — | — | Very slow; start 10-12 weeks before transplant. |
| Celery | Mid Mar - Apr | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Slow-growing; sow indoors before winter ends. |
| Collards | — | Mid May - Late May | — | — | Hardy brassica green; tolerates frost. |
| Corn (Sweet) | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Sow earliest short-season hybrids once soil is warm; block-plant for pollination. |
| Cucumber | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Cold-sensitive; transplant under cover and use row covers early. |
| Edamame (Soybean) | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Choose the shortest-season variety; needs warm soil. |
| Fava Bean | — | Early May - Mid May | — | — | Cool-season legume; plant as soon as ground is workable. |
| Garden Pea | — | Early May - Late May | — | — | Sow as soon as soil can be worked; very frost-tolerant (z2 hardy). |
| Garlic | — | — | Mid Sep - Early Oct | — | Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily (12+ inches) for winter (z3 hardy). |
| Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Pick the earliest-maturing pie types; start indoors. |
| Kale | — | Early May - Late May | — | Sep - Oct | Extremely cold-hardy; can also start indoors for transplant. |
| Kohlrabi | Mid Apr - Late Apr | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Quick brassica; can also direct-sow after frost. |
| Leek | Late Feb - Mar | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | Sep - Oct | Start under lights in late winter for June transplant. |
| Lettuce | — | Early May - Late May | — | Sep | Direct sow successions; tolerates light frost (z2 hardy). |
| Mustard Greens | — | Early May - Late May | — | — | Fast cool-season green; very hardy. |
| Napa Cabbage | Mid Apr - Late Apr | — | — | — | Prone to bolting in heat; best for cool spring transition. |
| Onion (Bulb) | Late Feb - Mar | — | Mid May - Late May | Late Aug - Sep | Begin onions and leeks under lights at winter's end - they need the longest indoor lead time. |
| Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) | — | Late Aug - Early Sep | — | — | Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters under cover for spring greens (z3). |
| Parsnip | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Sep - Oct | Slow germinator needing the full season; flavor sweetens after frost. |
| Pepper (Bell & Hot) | Late Feb | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Slowest warm crop; start 8-10 weeks early under lights. Marginal in z2 - grow in containers/greenhouse. |
| Pole Bean | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Sow after frost; needs a trellis and the full warm window. |
| Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Tolerates cool weather better than common beans; ornamental and edible. |
| Potato | — | — | Mid May - Early Jun | Sep - Late Sep | Finish planting; hill regularly through summer. |
| Pumpkin | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | Sep - Early Sep | Use early small-fruited varieties; needs the entire frost-free window. |
| Radish | — | Early May - Late May | — | — | Fastest crop; ready in 25-30 days, sow successions. |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Mid May - Late May | Sep - Oct | Plant crowns/divisions; reliable cold-hardy perennial. |
| Rutabaga | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Sep - Oct | Long-season root; sow as early as possible. |
| Scallion / Green Onion | — | Early Jun - Jul | — | — | Sow successions for continuous harvest. |
| Shallot | — | — | Early May - Mid May | — | Plant sets as soon as ground is workable. |
| Snap / Snow Pea | — | Early May - Late May | — | — | Direct sow early; tolerates light frost. |
| Spinach | — | Late Aug - Early Sep | — | — | Overwintering sow under mulch/cold frame for very early spring harvest; or quick fall crop. |
| Summer Squash | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Transplant after frost; black mulch warms soil. |
| Swiss Chard | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Sep - Oct | Productive all summer; sow once soil warms slightly. |
| Tomatillo | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Marginal (z4) - protect with season extension; plant two for pollination. |
| Tomato | Mid Mar - Apr | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Transplant only after frost danger; use walls-of-water or a tunnel. Pick determinate short-season types. |
| Turnip | — | Early May - Late May | — | Sep - Late Sep | Quick cool-season root; very hardy (z2). |
| Winter Squash | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | Sep - Early Sep | Choose fastest-maturing types; start indoors for a head start. |
| Zucchini | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Start indoors 3-4 weeks then transplant; very productive (z3 lower bound, OK with care). |
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Very cold-sensitive (z4) - container-grow and keep warm; transplant only after nights warm. |
| Chives | — | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Hardy perennial; divide and plant clumps. |
| Cilantro / Coriander | — | Mid May - Late May | — | — | Sow successions in cooler weeks to slow bolting. |
| Dill | — | Mid May - Late May | — | — | Succession sow for fresh leaf and seed. |
| Parsley | Late Mar - Apr | — | — | — | Slow to germinate; start indoors and transplant. |
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Marginal (z4 lower bound) - grow in containers/greenhouse; start indoors early. |
| Strawberry | — | — | Mid May - Late May | — | Plant bare-root crowns; choose hardy June-bearers. |
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borage | — | Early Jun - Jun | — | — | Bee magnet; self-seeds and tolerates cool nights (z2). |
| Calendula | — | Mid May - Late May | — | — | Cool-tolerant; succession sow for continuous edible blooms. |
| Cosmos | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Easy from seed after frost; tolerates poor soil. |
| Marigold | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Transplant for pest deterrence and color all summer. |
| Nasturtium | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Edible flowers/leaves; sow after frost (z2 hardy as annual). |
| Snapdragon | Late Mar - Apr | — | — | — | Start indoors; tolerates light frost when hardened off. |
| Sunflower | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | — | Sow short-season varieties after frost; thrives in long-day light (z2). |
| Sweet Pea | — | Early May - Late May | — | — | Cool-season flower; sow early for fragrant blooms (z2 hardy). |
| Zinnia | — | — | Early Jun - Mid Jun | — | Warm-loving; transplant after frost for reliable bloom. |
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Sign Up FreeIn zone 2, spring planting includes Tomato, Pepper (Bell & Hot), Onion (Bulb), Leek, Celery, Celeriac, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and more. See the spring section above for each crop's timing.
The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 2 is Jun 1. The first fall frost typically arrives around Sep 5, giving a growing season of approximately 90 days.
In zone 2, start crops like Tomato indoors around Mid Mar - Apr. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.
Fall planting in zone 2 includes Garlic, Spinach, Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche).
Zone 2 has an average growing season of 90 days, from the last spring frost around Jun 1 to the first fall frost around Sep 5.
Month-specific guides for zone 2, hand-tuned to current frost dates and crop windows.
Learn more: When to plant vegetables by zone