When to Plant Turnip in North Slope Borough, AK
Your May game plan for North Slope Borough, Alaska
Here's what deserves your attention in North Slope Borough, Alaska this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 2b and timed around your local frost dates.
Turnips are a fast-growing cool-season root vegetable with edible roots and greens. Baby turnips are sweet and tender while mature ones are more pungent.
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 Turnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Turnip 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 Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.7) is more acidic than Turnip prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in North Slope Borough is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Turnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.7%) — Turnip will thrive.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Turnip
Turnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Turnip 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 | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| 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.
Turnip 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.
Turnip Planting Timeline — North Slope Borough, AK
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 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 Turnip in North Slope Borough
Common pests for Turnip in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
North Slope Borough receives only 17" of rain annually. Turnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring or late summer. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter for best flavor. Both the roots and the greens are nutritious and edible.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough is in Zone 2b with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Turnip 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.