When to Plant Radish in North Slope Borough, AK
May in the garden — North Slope Borough, Alaska
Each item below is timed to North Slope Borough, Alaska's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
North Slope Borough, Alaska 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 feet, North Slope Borough receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Radish successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
North Slope Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.7
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 North Slope Borough
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.7) is more acidic than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in North Slope Borough is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.7%) — Radish will thrive.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Sep | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Jul in North Slope Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish 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.
Radish Planting Timeline — North Slope Borough, AK
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| June | Direct Sow Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 2b
📆 Growing Season
65 days in North Slope Borough
Growing Tips for Radish in North Slope Borough
Common pests for Radish 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 every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough is in Zone 2b with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is July 31.
Your North Slope Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.