Central #2, AK Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Central #2 garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 25
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Aug 26
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
93 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 2b
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost May 12 May 25 Jun 6
First fall frost Sep 7 Aug 26 Aug 12
Hard freeze (28°F), median last May 14 · first Sep 5

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the CENTRAL #2 station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Central #2

Computed from Central #2's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-2 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 30 – Apr 13 Jun 1 – Jun 8
🫑 Peppers Mar 16 – Mar 30 Jun 8 – Jun 15
🥬 Lettuce Apr 13 – Apr 27 Apr 27 – May 11 Apr 27 – May 25
🫛 Peas Apr 13 – Apr 27
🥕 Carrots May 4 – May 25
🥦 Broccoli Apr 6 – Apr 20 May 4 – May 18
🥬 Kale Apr 13 – Apr 27 Apr 27 – May 11 Apr 27 – May 11
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 27 – May 4 Jun 1 – Jun 8 Jun 1 – Jun 8
🥒 Zucchini Apr 27 – May 4 Jun 1 – Jun 8 Jun 1 – Jun 8
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) Jun 1 – Jun 8
🌽 Sweet Corn Jun 1 – Jun 8
🌿 Basil Apr 13 – Apr 27 Jun 1 – Jun 8 Jun 8 – Jun 15
🧄 Garlic Fall: Jul 15 – Aug 12

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Central #2's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Central #2

At about 93 frost-free days, Central #2 rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Central #2, AK?

The average last spring frost in Central #2 is around May 25, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Central #2, AK?

The average first fall frost in Central #2 arrives around Aug 26. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Central #2?

About 93 frost-free days on average, from May 25 to Aug 26. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is Central #2 in?

USDA zone 2b on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.