North Slope Borough, AK — Planting Guide
North Slope Borough is in USDA Zone 2b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is July 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 65 days.
At an elevation of 2,600 ft, North Slope Borough receives approximately 16.6 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 69°F with winter lows around 3°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
2b (-45°F to -40°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 27
🍂 First Frost
July 31
📅 Growing Season
65 days
⛰️ Elevation
2,600 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
16.6 in
North Slope Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil & Growing Conditions in North Slope Borough
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
With 16.6 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
65-day frost-free season
A short season means indoor starts are critical for warm-season crops. Prioritise cold-hardy, fast-maturing varieties and use row covers to extend autumn harvests.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
Monthly Planting Guide for North Slope Borough
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in North Slope Borough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in North Slope Borough, AK?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in North Slope Borough falls around May 27. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in North Slope Borough, AK?
The median first fall frost in North Slope Borough arrives around July 31. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your North Slope Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for North Slope Borough (Zone 2b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log