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When to Plant Kidney Beans in Kodiak Island Borough, AK

Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.

Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Kodiak Island Borough receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Kidney Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Kodiak Island Borough, AK (Zone 6a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Kodiak Island 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 (21 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Sep 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Sep 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (23 days to spare)
Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Aug 24 – Sep 28

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
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Kidney Beans needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Kodiak Island Borough, AK

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest August 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Sep 23

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

85โ€“110 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

139 days

Growing Tips for Kodiak Island Borough

Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Kodiak Island Borough, AK?

Kodiak Island Borough is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kodiak Island Borough, AK?

Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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