When to Plant Chives in Haines Borough, AK
April to-do list for Haines Borough, Alaska
A quick April briefing for Haines Borough, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Coming up in May — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: chives
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
Haines Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 1,921 feet, Haines Borough receives approximately 57.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 68°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chives root diseases.
Haines Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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 Haines Borough
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Chives prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Haines Borough is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chives.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Haines Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives 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.
Chives Planting Timeline — Haines Borough, AK
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Haines Borough
Growing Tips for Chives in Haines Borough
Direct sow Chives outdoors after May 07 in Haines Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 57" of annual rainfall in Haines Borough, ensure good drainage for Chives — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Haines Borough, AK?
Haines Borough is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Haines Borough, AK?
Haines Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Haines Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Haines Borough (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.