When to Plant Scallions in Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK
This month in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harden off and plant scallions
Your last frost (May 17) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Scatter scallions into prepared beds
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: scallions
Scallions (green onions) are mild-flavored alliums harvested for their slender green tops and white bases. They are quick-growing and perfect for succession planting.
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 Scallions to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scallions 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 Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Scallions's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kenai Peninsula Borough is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Scallions will thrive.
How to Plant Scallions
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 17.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Scallions
Scallions needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Scallions 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 | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 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.
Scallions 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.
Scallions Planting Timeline — Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK
Scallions Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
131 days in Kenai Peninsula Borough
Growing Tips for Scallions in Kenai Peninsula Borough
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after May 17 in Kenai Peninsula Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Scallions in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Thin to 1 inch apart or grow in clusters. Harvest when pencil-thick by pulling or cutting at soil level.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scallions in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scallions in Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK?
Kenai Peninsula Borough is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Scallions 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.