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When to Plant Pole Beans in Valdez-Cordova, AK

Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.

Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 2,888 feet, Valdez-Cordova receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 66ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Pole Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Valdez-Cordova, AK (Zone 5b) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Valdez-Cordova Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: Jun 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 8

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

Pole Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Valdez-Cordova, AK

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 9
Direct Sow May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 9
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 โ€“ Sep 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
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

55โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

146 days

Growing Tips for Valdez-Cordova

Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Valdez-Cordova, AK?

Valdez-Cordova is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Valdez-Cordova, AK?

Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

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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 Valdez-Cordova, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.