When to Plant Radish in Southeast Fairbanks, AK
May to-do list for Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska
Here's what deserves your attention in Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 2a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Sow radish where they'll grow
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
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Plant your fall garden: radish
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: radish
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.
Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 6 and the first fall frost is August 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 72 days.
At an elevation of 1,414 feet, Southeast Fairbanks receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 62°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
Southeast Fairbanks Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.6
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 Southeast Fairbanks
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.6) is more acidic than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Southeast Fairbanks is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.3%) — Radish will thrive.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by May 25.
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | — | 6.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Southeast Fairbanks). 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 — Southeast Fairbanks, AK
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
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 Fall Sowing 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 2a
📆 Growing Season
72 days in Southeast Fairbanks
Growing Tips for Radish in Southeast Fairbanks
Direct sow Radish outdoors after June 06 in Southeast Fairbanks when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Southeast Fairbanks, AK?
Southeast Fairbanks is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of June 6. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Southeast Fairbanks, AK?
Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 6 and first fall frost is August 17.
Your Southeast Fairbanks Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Southeast Fairbanks (Zone 2a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.