When to Plant Cabbage in North Slope Borough, AK
Cabbage is a versatile cool-season crop that forms dense, leafy heads in green, red, or savoy varieties. It is a staple for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and many global cuisines.
North Slope Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 1a. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is July 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 65 days.
At an elevation of 2,600 feet, North Slope Borough receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
North Slope Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in North Slope Borough
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.7) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in North Slope Borough is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.7%) — Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 30 sq ft. In North Slope Borough's 65-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 0.7" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Sep | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Jul in North Slope Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — North Slope Borough, AK
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 1a
📆 Growing Season
65 days in North Slope Borough
Growing Tips for Cabbage in North Slope Borough
Your 65.0-day growing season in North Slope Borough is tight for Cabbage (60.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
North Slope Borough receives only 17" of rain annually. Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent heads from splitting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough is in Zone 1a with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 1a. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is July 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help North Slope Borough gardeners in Zone 1a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.