When to Plant Zucchini in Haines Borough, AK
May to-do list for Haines Borough, Alaska
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Move zucchini into the garden
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Scatter zucchini into prepared beds
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: zucchini
Zucchini is an incredibly prolific summer squash that can produce an abundance of fruit from just a few plants. It is versatile in the kitchen from grilling to baking.
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 Zucchini to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Zucchini 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 Zucchini's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Zucchini prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Haines Borough is excellent for Zucchini — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Zucchini.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Zucchini will thrive.
How to Plant Zucchini
Succession Planting Zucchini
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Zucchini
Zucchini needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Zucchini Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.2" | 2.7" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 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.
Zucchini 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.
Zucchini Planting Timeline — Haines Borough, AK
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Haines Borough
Growing Tips for Zucchini in Haines Borough
Direct sow Zucchini outdoors after May 07 in Haines Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Zucchini in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor and texture. Check plants daily in summer as fruits can double in size overnight.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Zucchini in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Zucchini in Haines Borough, AK?
Haines Borough is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Zucchini 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.
Your Haines Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.