When to Plant Pac Choi in Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Your May planting checklist for Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
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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Transplant pac choi outside
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: pac choi
- First harvests: pac choi
Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
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 Pac Choi 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 Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kodiak Island Borough is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Pac Choi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) — Pac Choi will thrive.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 21.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pac Choi 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 | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| 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.
Pac Choi 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.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 |
| 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 | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Kodiak Island Borough
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Kodiak Island Borough
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after May 13 in Kodiak Island Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 139.0-day season in Kodiak Island Borough allows multiple plantings of Pac Choi. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Pac Choi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Pac Choi 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.