When to Plant Lovage in Kodiak Island Borough, AK
What to do in May
Your Kodiak Island 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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Set out lovage seedlings
Your last frost (May 13) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Kodiak Island Borough receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.
Kodiak Island Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Kodiak Island Borough
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Lovage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kodiak Island Borough is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lovage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) — Lovage will thrive.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage
Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lovage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Kodiak Island Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage 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.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 30 |
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 | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Kodiak Island Borough
Growing Tips for Lovage in Kodiak Island Borough
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after May 13 in Kodiak Island Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Kodiak Island Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kodiak Island Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.