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Zone 2a Planting Calendar & Schedule

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.

Last Spring Frost: Jun 8 First Fall Frost: Aug 29 76-Day Growing Season

Zone 2a is the cooler half of USDA zone 2, where the average coldest winter night bottoms out at −50 to −45°F. Compared with the zone 2 averages, the last spring frost in zone 2a comes about a week later (Jun 8) and the first fall frost about a week earlier (Aug 29), for a growing season of about 76 days. Every planting window on this page is shifted to match: spring sowing and transplant dates move a week later, fall plantings a week earlier. Crop notes still quote zone 2 timing.

Zone 2 covers interior Alaska around Fairbanks, the coldest pockets of northern Minnesota and North Dakota, and the high plains of northeastern Montana, where winter lows reach -50°F. The frost-free window runs about 90 days, from early June to early September, and a stray frost can land in any month. Gardening here means cold-hardy varieties bred for the far north, transplants started indoors in April, and row covers on standby all season.

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)

What to Plant in Zone 2a This Fall (September–November)

The average first fall frost in zone 2a is Aug 29. To find the last safe planting date for any fall crop, count back from that date by its days to maturity plus a 14-day fall factor — growth slows as days shorten and soil cools. Applied to zone 2a's frost date, that gives these plant-by dates:

Radishes

Plant by Jul 16

30 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor

Arugula

Plant by Jul 6

40 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor

Spinach

Plant by Jul 1

45 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor

Zone 2a and 2b: these dates count back from zone 2a's first frost, which is about a week earlier than the zone 2 average of Sep 5. Zone 2b gardeners have about two weeks more fall time — see the zone 2b fall dates.

Fall crops on this zone 2a calendar include Garlic, Spinach, Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche). Each crop's sowing and transplant window is in the fall planting section below.

For month-by-month detail, see what to plant in October across every zone, what to plant in September, and the fall vegetable planting guide by zone.

What to Plant by Season in Zone 2a

The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 2a's climate and frost timing.

What to Plant in Spring

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.

Tomato Start indoors

Mar 18 - May 7

Start 6-8 weeks before transplant; choose ultra-short-season cold-set varieties (z3 lower bound, marginal but workable in z2 with protection).

Pepper (Bell & Hot) Start indoors

Mar 8 - Apr 7

Slowest warm crop; start 8-10 weeks early under lights. Marginal in z2 - grow in containers/greenhouse.

Onion (Bulb) Start indoors

Feb 28 - Apr 7

Start long-day varieties early; among the first seeds to sow indoors.

Leek Start indoors

Feb 28 - Apr 7

Slow grower; start very early under lights.

Celery Start indoors

Mar 18 - May 7

Needs a long head start; keep warm and moist.

Celeriac Start indoors

Mar 18 - May 7

Very slow; start 10-12 weeks before transplant.

Broccoli Start indoors

Apr 8 - May 7

Start 5-6 weeks before transplant for cool late-spring growth.

Cauliflower Start indoors

Apr 8 - May 7

Start indoors; harden off carefully.

Cabbage Start indoors

Apr 8 - May 7

Very cold-tolerant transplant; reliable z2 crop.

Brussels Sprouts Start indoors

Mar 28 - May 7

Needs the full season; start early and transplant late spring.

Kohlrabi Start indoors

Apr 18 - May 7

Quick brassica; can also direct-sow after frost.

Napa Cabbage Start indoors

Apr 18 - May 7

Prone to bolting in heat; best for cool spring transition.

Garden Pea Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Sow as soon as soil can be worked; very frost-tolerant (z2 hardy).

Snap / Snow Pea Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Direct sow early; tolerates light frost.

Fava Bean Direct sow

May 8 - May 27

Cool-season legume; plant as soon as ground is workable.

Spinach Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Very cold-hardy; bolts in heat so sow early.

Lettuce Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Direct sow successions; tolerates light frost (z2 hardy).

Radish Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Fastest crop; ready in 25-30 days, sow successions.

Arugula Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Quick, cold-tolerant green; sow successions.

Mustard Greens Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Fast cool-season green; very hardy.

Beet Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Cold-tolerant; thin and use greens too.

Carrot Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Sow into worked soil; germination slow in cold ground.

Turnip Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Quick cool-season root; very hardy (z2).

Rutabaga Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Long-season root; sow as early as possible.

Parsnip Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Slow germinator needing the full season; flavor sweetens after frost.

Swiss Chard Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Productive all summer; sow once soil warms slightly.

Kale Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Extremely cold-hardy; can also start indoors for transplant.

Collards Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Hardy brassica green; tolerates frost.

Bok Choy / Pak Choi Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Bolts in heat; best in cool spring window (z2 hardy).

Potato Plant sets / crowns

May 18 - Jun 17

Plant seed potatoes after soil reaches ~45F; hill as they grow (z2 hardy).

Garlic Plant sets / crowns

May 8 - May 27

Spring-plant if fall mulch failed; fall planting preferred. Mulch heavily.

Shallot Plant sets / crowns

May 8 - May 27

Plant sets as soon as ground is workable.

Onion (Bulb) Plant sets / crowns

May 18 - Jun 7

Plant sets/transplants outdoors after hardening off.

Asparagus Plant sets / crowns

May 18 - Jun 7

Plant crowns in a permanent bed; cold-hardy perennial (z2).

Rhubarb Plant sets / crowns

May 18 - Jun 7

Plant crowns/divisions; reliable cold-hardy perennial.

Strawberry Plant sets / crowns

May 18 - Jun 7

Plant bare-root crowns; choose hardy June-bearers.

Cilantro / Coriander Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Bolts fast; sow successions through spring.

Dill Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Direct sow; self-seeds readily.

Parsley Start indoors

Mar 28 - May 7

Slow to germinate; start indoors and transplant.

Chives Plant sets / crowns

May 18 - Jun 7

Hardy perennial; divide and plant clumps.

Sweet Pea Direct sow

May 8 - Jun 7

Cool-season flower; sow early for fragrant blooms (z2 hardy).

Snapdragon Start indoors

Mar 28 - May 7

Start indoors; tolerates light frost when hardened off.

Calendula Direct sow

May 18 - Jun 7

Cold-tolerant; can sow as soon as soil works.

What to Plant in Summer

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.

Tomato Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant only after frost danger; use walls-of-water or a tunnel. Pick determinate short-season types.

Pepper (Bell & Hot) Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Marginal outdoors; best in containers or greenhouse with season extension.

Zucchini Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Start indoors 3-4 weeks then transplant; very productive (z3 lower bound, OK with care).

Summer Squash Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant after frost; black mulch warms soil.

Winter Squash Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Choose fastest-maturing types; start indoors for a head start.

Pumpkin Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Use early small-fruited varieties; needs the entire frost-free window.

Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Pick the earliest-maturing pie types; start indoors.

Corn (Sweet) Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Sow earliest short-season hybrids once soil is warm; block-plant for pollination.

Bush Bean Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Direct sow after frost; warmth-dependent so wait for warm soil (z3).

Pole Bean Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Sow after frost; needs a trellis and the full warm window.

Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Tolerates cool weather better than common beans; ornamental and edible.

Edamame (Soybean) Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Choose the shortest-season variety; needs warm soil.

Cucumber Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Cold-sensitive; transplant under cover and use row covers early.

Ground Cherry Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Marginal (z4 lower bound) - grow in containers/greenhouse; start indoors early.

Tomatillo Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Marginal (z4) - protect with season extension; plant two for pollination.

Kohlrabi Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Set out hardened transplants; quick to harvest.

Broccoli Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant for summer heads; harvest side shoots into fall.

Cabbage Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Set out transplants; very reliable in cool z2 summers.

Cauliflower Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant; blanch heads and keep evenly watered.

Brussels Sprouts Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant for a long fall harvest; flavor improves after frost.

Celery Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant hardened seedlings; keep constantly moist.

Leek Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant and trench/hill for blanched stems.

Onion (Bulb) Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Set out hardened transplants if not done in spring.

Scallion / Green Onion Direct sow

Jun 8 - Aug 7

Sow successions for continuous harvest.

Beet Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jul 7

Succession sow for a fall harvest of roots and greens.

Carrot Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jul 7

Main-crop sowing; mulch to keep soil moisture even.

Lettuce Direct sow

Jun 8 - Aug 7

Succession sow in cooler/shaded spots to avoid bolting.

Swiss Chard Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jul 7

Heat-tolerant and productive all summer.

Kale Direct sow

Jun 8 - Aug 7

Sow for fall harvest; sweetens after frost.

Potato Plant sets / crowns

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Finish planting; hill regularly through summer.

Basil Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Very cold-sensitive (z4) - container-grow and keep warm; transplant only after nights warm.

Dill Direct sow

Jun 8 - Aug 7

Succession sow for fresh leaf and seed.

Cilantro / Coriander Direct sow

Jun 8 - Aug 7

Sow successions in cooler weeks to slow bolting.

Sunflower Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Sow short-season varieties after frost; thrives in long-day light (z2).

Nasturtium Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Edible flowers/leaves; sow after frost (z2 hardy as annual).

Marigold Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Transplant for pest deterrence and color all summer.

Zinnia Transplant

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Warm-loving; transplant after frost for reliable bloom.

Cosmos Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jun 27

Easy from seed after frost; tolerates poor soil.

Borage Direct sow

Jun 8 - Jul 7

Bee magnet; self-seeds and tolerates cool nights (z2).

Calendula Direct sow

Jun 8 - Aug 7

Cool-tolerant; succession sow for continuous edible blooms.

What to Plant in Fall

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.

Garlic Plant sets / crowns

Sep 4 - Oct 3

Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily (12+ inches) for winter (z3 hardy).

Spinach Direct sow

Aug 14 - Sep 3

Overwintering sow under mulch/cold frame for very early spring harvest; or quick fall crop.

Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) Direct sow

Aug 14 - Sep 3

Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters under cover for spring greens (z3).

What to Plant in Winter

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.

Onion (Bulb) Start indoors

Feb 28 - Mar 7

Begin onions and leeks under lights at winter's end - they need the longest indoor lead time.

Leek Start indoors

Feb 28 - Mar 7

Start under lights in late winter for June transplant.

Celery Start indoors

Feb 28 - Mar 7

Slow-growing; sow indoors before winter ends.

Pepper (Bell & Hot) Start indoors

Feb 28 - Mar 7

Needs the longest warm lead time of the fruiting crops; start under lights with heat mat.

Full Planting Timing Table

Start-indoors, direct-sow, transplant, and harvest windows for every crop in zone 2a.

Vegetables

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Arugula — May 8 - Jun 7 — — Quick, cold-tolerant green; sow successions.
Asparagus — — May 18 - Jun 7 — Plant crowns in a permanent bed; cold-hardy perennial (z2).
Beet — May 18 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Sep 23 Cold-tolerant; thin and use greens too.
Bok Choy / Pak Choi — May 18 - Jun 7 — — Bolts in heat; best in cool spring window (z2 hardy).
Broccoli Apr 8 - May 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Start 5-6 weeks before transplant for cool late-spring growth.
Brussels Sprouts Mar 28 - May 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 Aug 25 - Oct 24 Needs the full season; start early and transplant late spring.
Bush Bean — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Direct sow after frost; warmth-dependent so wait for warm soil (z3).
Cabbage Apr 8 - May 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 Aug 25 - Oct 24 Very cold-tolerant transplant; reliable z2 crop.
Carrot — May 18 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Oct 24 Sow into worked soil; germination slow in cold ground.
Cauliflower Apr 8 - May 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Start indoors; harden off carefully.
Celeriac Mar 18 - May 7 — — — Very slow; start 10-12 weeks before transplant.
Celery Mar 18 - May 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Slow-growing; sow indoors before winter ends.
Collards — May 18 - Jun 7 — — Hardy brassica green; tolerates frost.
Corn (Sweet) — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Sow earliest short-season hybrids once soil is warm; block-plant for pollination.
Cucumber — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Cold-sensitive; transplant under cover and use row covers early.
Edamame (Soybean) — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Choose the shortest-season variety; needs warm soil.
Fava Bean — May 8 - May 27 — — Cool-season legume; plant as soon as ground is workable.
Garden Pea — May 8 - Jun 7 — — Sow as soon as soil can be worked; very frost-tolerant (z2 hardy).
Garlic — — Sep 4 - Oct 3 — Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily (12+ inches) for winter (z3 hardy).
Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Pick the earliest-maturing pie types; start indoors.
Kale — May 8 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Oct 24 Extremely cold-hardy; can also start indoors for transplant.
Kohlrabi Apr 18 - May 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Quick brassica; can also direct-sow after frost.
Leek Feb 28 - Apr 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 Aug 25 - Oct 24 Start under lights in late winter for June transplant.
Lettuce — May 8 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Sep 23 Direct sow successions; tolerates light frost (z2 hardy).
Mustard Greens — May 8 - Jun 7 — — Fast cool-season green; very hardy.
Napa Cabbage Apr 18 - May 7 — — — Prone to bolting in heat; best for cool spring transition.
Onion (Bulb) Feb 28 - Apr 7 — May 18 - Jun 7 Aug 14 - Sep 23 Begin onions and leeks under lights at winter's end - they need the longest indoor lead time.
Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) — Aug 14 - Sep 3 — — Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters under cover for spring greens (z3).
Parsnip — May 18 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Oct 24 Slow germinator needing the full season; flavor sweetens after frost.
Pepper (Bell & Hot) Feb 28 - Mar 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Slowest warm crop; start 8-10 weeks early under lights. Marginal in z2 - grow in containers/greenhouse.
Pole Bean — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Sow after frost; needs a trellis and the full warm window.
Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Tolerates cool weather better than common beans; ornamental and edible.
Potato — — May 18 - Jun 17 Aug 25 - Sep 23 Plant seed potatoes after soil reaches ~45F; hill as they grow (z2 hardy).
Pumpkin — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 Aug 25 - Sep 3 Use early small-fruited varieties; needs the entire frost-free window.
Radish — May 8 - Jun 7 — — Fastest crop; ready in 25-30 days, sow successions.
Rhubarb — — May 18 - Jun 7 Aug 25 - Oct 24 Plant crowns/divisions; reliable cold-hardy perennial.
Rutabaga — May 18 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Oct 24 Long-season root; sow as early as possible.
Scallion / Green Onion — Jun 8 - Aug 7 — — Sow successions for continuous harvest.
Shallot — — May 8 - May 27 — Plant sets as soon as ground is workable.
Snap / Snow Pea — May 8 - Jun 7 — — Direct sow early; tolerates light frost.
Spinach — Aug 14 - Sep 3 — — Overwintering sow under mulch/cold frame for very early spring harvest; or quick fall crop.
Summer Squash — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Transplant after frost; black mulch warms soil.
Swiss Chard — May 18 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Oct 24 Productive all summer; sow once soil warms slightly.
Tomatillo — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Marginal (z4) - protect with season extension; plant two for pollination.
Tomato Mar 18 - May 7 — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Start 6-8 weeks before transplant; choose ultra-short-season cold-set varieties (z3 lower bound, marginal but workable in z2 with protection).
Turnip — May 8 - Jun 7 — Aug 25 - Sep 23 Quick cool-season root; very hardy (z2).
Winter Squash — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 Aug 25 - Sep 3 Choose fastest-maturing types; start indoors for a head start.
Zucchini — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Start indoors 3-4 weeks then transplant; very productive (z3 lower bound, OK with care).

Herbs

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Basil — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Very cold-sensitive (z4) - container-grow and keep warm; transplant only after nights warm.
Chives — — May 18 - Jun 7 — Hardy perennial; divide and plant clumps.
Cilantro / Coriander — May 18 - Jun 7 — — Sow successions in cooler weeks to slow bolting.
Dill — May 18 - Jun 7 — — Succession sow for fresh leaf and seed.
Parsley Mar 28 - May 7 — — — Slow to germinate; start indoors and transplant.

Fruits

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Ground Cherry — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Marginal (z4 lower bound) - grow in containers/greenhouse; start indoors early.
Strawberry — — May 18 - Jun 7 — Plant bare-root crowns; choose hardy June-bearers.

Flowers

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Borage — Jun 8 - Jul 7 — — Bee magnet; self-seeds and tolerates cool nights (z2).
Calendula — May 18 - Jun 7 — — Cool-tolerant; succession sow for continuous edible blooms.
Cosmos — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Easy from seed after frost; tolerates poor soil.
Marigold — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Transplant for pest deterrence and color all summer.
Nasturtium — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Edible flowers/leaves; sow after frost (z2 hardy as annual).
Snapdragon Mar 28 - May 7 — — — Start indoors; tolerates light frost when hardened off.
Sunflower — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — — Sow short-season varieties after frost; thrives in long-day light (z2).
Sweet Pea — May 8 - Jun 7 — — Cool-season flower; sow early for fragrant blooms (z2 hardy).
Zinnia — — Jun 8 - Jun 27 — Warm-loving; transplant after frost for reliable bloom.

Zone 2a vs Zone 2b

USDA divides zone 2 into two half-zones 5°F apart. Zone 2a is the cooler one; here is how its frost dates compare with zone 2b and the zone 2 average.

Zone 2a Zone 2 Zone 2b
Winter low −50 to −45°F −50 to −40°F −45 to −40°F
Last spring frost Jun 8 Jun 1 May 25
First fall frost Aug 29 Sep 5 Sep 12
Growing season 76 days 90 days 104 days

Not sure which half you're in? The half-zone comes from your area's average coldest winter night, so check the USDA map for your ZIP code. Your own microclimate — slope, shelter, pavement, elevation — can move dates as much as the half-zone does.

Zone 2a Growing Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I plant in spring in zone 2a?

In zone 2a, 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.

What is the last frost date for zone 2a?

The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 2a is Jun 8. The first fall frost typically arrives around Aug 29, giving a growing season of approximately 76 days.

When is the first frost in zone 2a?

The average first fall frost in USDA zone 2a arrives around Aug 29. That is an average, not a guarantee — the actual first frost varies by up to 2 weeks either way, so watch your local forecast from a few weeks before that date and have row covers ready for tender crops still in the ground.

When can I start seeds indoors in zone 2a?

In zone 2a, start crops like Tomato indoors around Mar 18 - May 7. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.

What can I plant in fall in zone 2a?

Fall planting in zone 2a includes Garlic, Spinach, Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche).

How long is the growing season in zone 2a?

Zone 2a has an average growing season of 76 days, from the last spring frost around Jun 8 to the first fall frost around Aug 29.

What is the difference between zone 2a and zone 2b?

Zone 2a is the cooler half of USDA zone 2, with average coldest winter nights of −50 to −45°F. Compared with the zone 2 averages (last frost Jun 1, first frost Sep 5), zone 2a's last spring frost is about a week later (Jun 8) and its first fall frost about a week earlier (Aug 29), so zone 2b gardeners plant about two weeks earlier in spring and later in fall than zone 2a.