When to plant Collard Greens in Haines Borough County,
In Haines Borough County, plant Collard Greens in spring between April 23 and May 14, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Haines Borough County's last frost averages May 7, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between July 21 and August 4 — roughly 75 days before the first frost on September 29.
When to Plant Collard Greens in Haines Borough, AK
What to do in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Haines Borough, Alaska this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Begin indoor sowing: collard greens
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: collard greens
- Fall sowing: collard greens
Collard greens are a heat-tolerant member of the cabbage family with large, sturdy leaves. They are a Southern staple and one of the most nutritious leafy greens.
Haines Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5b. 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 Collard Greens to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Collard Greens root diseases.
Haines Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Collard Greens 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 Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Collard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Haines Borough is excellent for Collard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Collard Greens.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Collard Greens will thrive.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 21.
Collard Greens Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens
Collard Greens needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Collard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 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.
Collard Greens 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.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Haines Borough, AK
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Haines Borough
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Haines Borough
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after May 07 in Haines Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Collard Greens in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harvest lower leaves first, leaving the growing tip intact. Flavor improves after exposure to frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Haines Borough, AK?
Haines Borough is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Collard Greens 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 5b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Collard Greens in Haines Borough County, ?
In Haines Borough County, , plant Collard Greens after the last frost (around May 7) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Haines Borough County, for Collard Greens?
Haines Borough County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Collard Greens grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Collard Greens grow in Haines Borough County's climate?
Yes — Collard Greens grows well in Haines Borough County's temperate climate. Haines Borough County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 7 and first frost around September 29.
Your Haines Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Haines Borough (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.