Dawson, YT — Planting Guide
Dawson is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 26 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 1,213 ft, Dawson receives approximately 12.4 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 63°F with winter lows around -12°F. The predominant soil type is Permafrost Soil.
🌡️ Zone
2a (-50°F to -45°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
June 26
🍂 First Frost
October 4
📅 Growing Season
100 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,213 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
12.4 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.6 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 0.9 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.1 in | 11 days | — | None |
| May | 1.6 in | 9 days | 2.7 in | High |
| Jun | 1.7 in | 11 days | 2.6 in | High |
| Jul | 1.3 in | 9 days | 3 in | High |
| Aug | 1.2 in | 8 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Sep | 1 in | 7 days | 3.3 in | Critical |
| Oct | 0.9 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Nov | 0.9 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.7 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 12.4 in. Gardens typically need ~1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Months marked "None" for extra water are outside the active growing season for your zone — most gardens are dormant and don't need irrigation during those months.
Dawson Soil Profile
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Dawson is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Dawson
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Dawson's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Dawson Extension Office
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Dawson
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Dawson
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Dawson's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Dawson YT" or "garden center Dawson" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Dawson YT" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Dawson Gardeners" or "Yukon Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
20.3 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
3.7 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
12.5 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.9 hr | 2 hr | Short day |
| February | 8.1 hr | 3.6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.2 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| April | 14.7 hr | 7.6 hr | Long day |
| May | 17.9 hr | 10.5 hr | Long day |
| June | 20.3 hr | 12.5 hr | Long day |
| July | 19.2 hr | 12.1 hr | Long day |
| August | 16 hr | 10.3 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.6 hr | 7.7 hr | Neutral |
| October | 9.3 hr | 4.7 hr | Short day |
| November | 5.9 hr | 2.4 hr | Short day |
| December | 3.7 hr | 1.5 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jul through Aug.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
4 months
Short season — insulate pile or use indoor vermicomposting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5°F | 14°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 6°F | 12°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 17°F | 19°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 31°F | 32°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 49°F | 41°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jun | 60°F | 54°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 65°F | 59°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Aug | 65°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Sep | 57°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 42°F | 45°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 29°F | 33°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 13°F | 23°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Dawson
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 4 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Flea beetles | Low | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 13 mph Summer: 9 mph
Fall: 10 mph Winter: 12 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.1/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (164 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
6,180 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
8 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,250 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 12.4 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 6,180 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- In your dry climate, every drop counts — consider a larger cistern system
- Position collection tanks in shade to reduce evaporation and algae growth
Soil & Growing Conditions in Dawson
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 12.4 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
100-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.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
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.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Dawson
38 vegetables that grow well in Zone 2a with planting dates for Dawson.
Show all 38 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth | Apr 24 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 | Oct 16 – Dec 4 | 90–120 |
| Beets | — | Jun 19 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Bok Choy | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 28 – Oct 9 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Sep 25 – Nov 20 | 90–130 |
| Cabbage | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 28 – Oct 23 | 60–100 |
| Cauliflower | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Oct 23 | 55–100 |
| Celery | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Sep 18 – Nov 13 | 80–120 |
| Chard | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 50–60 |
| Chinese Cabbage | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Sep 18 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Oct 23 | 55–75 |
| Cress | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 | 14–21 |
| Daikon | — | Jun 19 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Sep 11 – Oct 23 | 75–100 |
| Kai Lan | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 14 – Sep 11 | 45–60 |
| Kale | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 50–70 |
| Kohlrabi | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 35–50 |
| Lentils | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Sep 18 – Oct 30 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 | 30–60 |
| Mache | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 7–21 |
| Mustard Greens | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 55–75 |
| Pac Choi | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 7 – Sep 4 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Jun 19 | — | Oct 2 – Nov 13 | 100–130 |
| Peas | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 55–70 |
| Purslane | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | Jun 19 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 | 22–35 |
| Rutabaga | — | Jun 19 | — | Sep 11 – Oct 16 | 80–100 |
| Savoy Cabbage | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Sep 4 – Oct 30 | 70–110 |
| Snap Peas | Apr 24 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 | Sep 11 – Nov 6 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 50–65 |
| Spinach | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 35–50 |
| Sunflower | Apr 24 | Jul 10 | Jul 17 | Sep 25 – Nov 13 | 70–100 |
| Tatsoi | May 15 | Jun 19 | Jun 26 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 35–50 |
| Turnip | — | Jun 19 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 40–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Dawson
4 fruits that grow well in Zone 2a with planting dates for Dawson.
Show all 4 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberries | — | — | Jul 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jul 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jul 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jul 24 | — | 730–1095 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Dawson
3 herbs that grow well in Zone 2a with planting dates for Dawson.
Monthly Planting Guide for Dawson
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Dawson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Dawson, YT?
Dawson is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. 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 Dawson, YT?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Dawson falls around June 26. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Dawson, YT?
The median first fall frost in Dawson arrives around October 4. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Dawson a good location for home gardening?
Dawson scores 83/100 (Excellent) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. This is an above-average location for home gardening with relatively predictable growing conditions.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dawson gardeners in Zone 2a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.
