When to Plant Chives in Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK
Top priorities for Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska gardeners in May
Your Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Time to transplant chives
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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.
Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 1,824 feet, Kenai Peninsula Borough receives approximately 55.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°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.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
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 Kenai Peninsula Borough
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Chives's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kenai Peninsula Borough is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 Jun 27 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Kenai Peninsula 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 — Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Oct 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
131 days in Kenai Peninsula Borough
Growing Tips for Chives in Kenai Peninsula Borough
Direct sow Chives outdoors after May 17 in Kenai Peninsula 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 56" of annual rainfall in Kenai Peninsula 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 Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK?
Kenai Peninsula Borough is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK?
Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 25.
Your Kenai Peninsula Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kenai Peninsula Borough (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.