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When to Plant Mustard Greens in Nome Census Area, AK

Nome Census Area, Alaska Zone 3b May

May in the garden — Nome Census Area, Alaska

May is a pivotal month for Nome Census Area, Alaska gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost June 3
Avg. first frost September 2
Soil temp (4") 42°F
Watering High
Pest pressure Low
Daylight 18.1 hrs
  1. Sow mustard greens where they'll grow

    Your soil is 42°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.

Get ahead of June
  • Transplants going out: mustard greens
  • Fall sowing: mustard greens

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Mustard greens are fast-growing brassicas with a spicy, peppery kick. They come in green, red, and purple varieties and are excellent cooked or in salads.

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 2,593 feet, Nome Census Area receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 61°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mustard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.

Nome Census Area, AK (Zone 3b) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost June 3
91 growing days
First Fall Frost September 2
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Nome Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 19 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 22 Transplant: Jun 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (12 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 1 Transplant: Jun 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18

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 Nome Census Area

How your county's soil matches Mustard Greens's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Mustard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Nome Census Area is excellent for Mustard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Mustard Greens.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Mustard Greens will thrive.

How to Plant Mustard Greens

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Mustard Greens

3
successive plantings in your 91-day season

Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 10.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.7″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Mustard Greens Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 3" 3.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Nome Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Mustard Greens 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.

Mustard Greens needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Mustard Greens Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK

Mustard Greens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Transplant Outdoors June 3 Jun 3 – Jun 17
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 – Jun 17
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Sep 9
Fall Sowing June 10 Jun 10 – Jun 24

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

30–50 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Nome Census Area

Growing Tips for Mustard Greens in Nome Census Area

Direct sow Mustard Greens outdoors after June 03 in Nome Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Mustard Greens 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 early spring or fall. Harvest young leaves for milder flavor. Plants bolt quickly in heat so grow as a cool-season crop or provide shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mustard Greens in Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 2.

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Your Nome Census Area Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Nome Census Area (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nome Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.