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When to Plant Gooseberries in Juneau City and Borough, AK

Gooseberries are thorny shrubs producing tart, grape-sized berries excellent for pies, jams, and preserves. They thrive in cooler climates and tolerate partial shade.

Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.

At an elevation of 930 feet, Juneau City and Borough receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 57ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Gooseberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Juneau City and Borough, AK (Zone 7a) Moderate season
152 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
152 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Juneau City and Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 7

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 15 gal / 100 sq ft
Gooseberries needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Gooseberries Planting Timeline โ€” Juneau City and Borough, AK

Gooseberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 7

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

152 days

Growing Tips for Juneau City and Borough

Plant in a location with afternoon shade in hot climates. Prune to an open goblet shape for air circulation. Mulch heavily and avoid cultivation near shallow roots.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Gooseberries in Juneau City and Borough, AK?

Juneau City and Borough is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Gooseberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Juneau City and Borough, AK?

Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Juneau City and Borough gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Juneau City and Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.