Dillingham Census Area, AK — Planting Guide
Dillingham Census Area is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 410 ft, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 60°F with winter lows around -9°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
3a (-40°F to -35°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 1
🍂 First Frost
September 6
📅 Growing Season
128 days
⛰️ Elevation
410 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
54 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.6 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Feb | 2.4 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.2 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.8 in | 4 days | — | None |
| May | 2.3 in | 5 days | 2 in | High |
| Jun | 3.5 in | 8 days | 0.8 in | Moderate |
| Jul | 7.3 in | 11 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 8.4 in | 13 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 9.5 in | 14 days | — | Low |
| Oct | 6.5 in | 12 days | — | None |
| Nov | 4.2 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 3.3 in | 6 days | — | None |
Annual total: 54 in. Gardens typically need ~1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Months marked "None" for extra water are outside the active growing season for your zone — most gardens are dormant and don't need irrigation during those months.
Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Dillingham Census Area is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Dillingham Census Area
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Dillingham Census Area's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Dillingham Census Area University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Extension Office
Phone: 907-474-5211
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Dillingham Census Area
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Dillingham Census Area
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Dillingham Census Area's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Dillingham Census Area AK" or "garden center Dillingham Census Area" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Dillingham Census Area AK" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Dillingham Census Area Gardeners" or "Alaska Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
18.4 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
5.6 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.2 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.4 hr | 1.9 hr | Short day |
| February | 8.8 hr | 3 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.4 hr | 4.9 hr | Short day |
| April | 14.2 hr | 6.6 hr | Long day |
| May | 16.8 hr | 7.9 hr | Long day |
| June | 18.4 hr | 8.4 hr | Long day |
| July | 17.7 hr | 9.2 hr | Long day |
| August | 15.3 hr | 6.8 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.5 hr | 5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 9.7 hr | 3.3 hr | Short day |
| November | 7.1 hr | 1.9 hr | Short day |
| December | 5.6 hr | 1.5 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jul through Aug.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
4 months
Short season — insulate pile or use indoor vermicomposting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°F | 14°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 8°F | 15°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 20°F | 19°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 35°F | 32°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 49°F | 43°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jun | 58°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 68°F | 61°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 68°F | 62°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 60°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 45°F | 49°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 31°F | 35°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 15°F | 23°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Dillingham Census Area
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Moderate — watch for mildew and blight during wet periods.
Seasonal Risk
View 4 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Flea beetles | Low | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
Organic pest management tips
- Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
- Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
- Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
- Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
- Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years
Cover Crops for Dillingham Census Area
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Fall Cover Crops (3 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oats | Jul 23 | Apr 10 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jun 15 | Apr 17 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 9 | Apr 10 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 5 | Jul 12 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 1 | Jul 12 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 28 | Aug 9 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 11 mph Summer: 7 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 13 mph
Prevailing wind: N. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.5/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (352 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
26,913 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,250 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Mar, Apr, May
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 54.0 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 26,913 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Your area gets ample rainfall — even small barrels make a big difference
- Consider a rain garden to handle overflow during heavy rainfall months
Soil & Growing Conditions in Dillingham Census Area
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH 5–6.2 · Poorly Drained drainage
Raised beds strongly recommended here — native soil drainage or texture limits in-ground options.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 1.5/10
Dillingham Census Area has very low drought pressure. Natural rainfall usually meets garden needs — water only during extended dry spells.
Season Tips
128-day frost-free season
A short season means indoor starts are critical for warm-season crops. Prioritise cold-hardy, fast-maturing varieties and use row covers to extend autumn harvests.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Dillingham Census Area
87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Dillingham Census Area.
Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 15 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 14 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | May 15 – Jun 5 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 15 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 75–100 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 15 | Sep 18 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 18 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 15 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | May 8 – Jun 5 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 13 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | Apr 24 | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Aug 28 | 60–80 |
| Shiso | Mar 6 | May 8 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 15 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 18 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Sep 25 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 15 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 35–50 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Dillingham Census Area
15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Dillingham Census Area.
Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 29 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Dillingham Census Area
22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3a with planting dates for Dillingham Census Area.
Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 8 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 19 – Aug 7 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 8 | Sep 11 | 120–180 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 8 | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 60–80 |
| Sorrel | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 8 | Sep 11 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 8 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Dillingham Census Area
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Dillingham Census Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Dillingham Census Area falls around May 1. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
The median first fall frost in Dillingham Census Area arrives around September 6. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
What is the soil like in Dillingham Census Area for gardening?
Dillingham Census Area has predominantly Silt Loam soil with a pH range of 5–6.2 and Poorly Drained drainage. The native soil conditions make raised beds a particularly good investment here — they let you control drainage and fertility independent of the ground soil.
What is grown commercially in Dillingham Census Area?
Dillingham Census Area has commercial agriculture that includes Hay, Cattle, Potatoes. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Dillingham Census Area a good location for home gardening?
Dillingham Census Area scores 86/100 (Excellent) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. This is an above-average location for home gardening with relatively predictable growing conditions.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dillingham Census Area gardeners in Zone 3a 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.
