Whitehorse, YT — Planting Guide
Whitehorse is in USDA Zone 2b. The average last spring frost is June 15 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 2,316 ft, Whitehorse receives approximately 13 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 66°F with winter lows around -12°F. The predominant soil type is Permafrost Soil.
🌡️ Zone
2b (-45°F to -40°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
June 15
🍂 First Frost
September 30
📅 Growing Season
107 days
⛰️ Elevation
2,316 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
13 in
Monthly Watering Calendar for Whitehorse
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
What this means for you: Mulch reduces watering needs 30-50% by cutting evaporation. Whitehorse's 13" annual rainfall might be enough for vegetables in some months and not in others — a 2-3" mulch layer evens the swing.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.6 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.6 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 0.8 in | 10 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.4 in | 10 days | — | None |
| May | 1.3 in | 11 days | 3 in | High |
| Jun | 1.8 in | 10 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Jul | 1.3 in | 9 days | 3 in | High |
| Aug | 1.2 in | 9 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Sep | 1.3 in | 8 days | 3 in | High |
| Oct | 1 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Nov | 0.8 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.8 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 12.9 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Whitehorse Soil Profile
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Whitehorse offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Whitehorse
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 Whitehorse's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Whitehorse 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 Whitehorse
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Whitehorse
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Whitehorse'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 Whitehorse YT" or "garden center Whitehorse" 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 Whitehorse YT" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Whitehorse 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 in Whitehorse
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Why it matters: Plants use day length as their seasonal clock. Some crops flower when days lengthen (most flowers), some when days shorten (chrysanthemums, soybeans). Whitehorse's curve is the timing layer beneath everything you grow.
Longest Day
18.7 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
5.3 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
12.2 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 | 6.1 hr | 2.5 hr | Short day |
| February | 8.7 hr | 4 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.3 hr | 5.5 hr | Short day |
| April | 14.3 hr | 7.1 hr | Long day |
| May | 17 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| June | 18.7 hr | 12.1 hr | Long day |
| July | 18 hr | 12.2 hr | Long day |
| August | 15.5 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.5 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| October | 9.7 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
| November | 6.9 hr | 2.9 hr | Short day |
| December | 5.3 hr | 2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Whitehorse
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Why it matters: Soil temperature predicts plant emergence better than calendar dates. Whitehorse's spring soil warm-up curve tells you which weeks are safe for direct-sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and corn.
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 | 2°F | 12°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 2°F | 8°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 12°F | 17°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 31°F | 27°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 42°F | 40°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jun | 56°F | 49°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 60°F | 56°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Aug | 61°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Sep | 55°F | 53°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 40°F | 44°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Nov | 23°F | 32°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 11°F | 20°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 Whitehorse
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
The practical takeaway: In Whitehorse's climate, pest pressure shapes which crops are easy and which are heartbreak. Tomatoes are easy in dry mountain air, hard in humid coast — same plant, completely different gardening experience.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 3 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Slugs | Moderate | 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 in Whitehorse
The practical takeaway: Wind dries soil, knocks over young transplants, and disrupts pollination for bees and butterflies. Whitehorse averages 9.8 mph — above 10 mph means windbreaks (shrubs, fences, taller crops to windward), staked tomatoes from day one, and an extra round of watering during dry windy spells. Lower wind = lower water bills and fewer broken stems.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 13 mph Summer: 10 mph
Fall: 10 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
4.8/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (294 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Whitehorse
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
What this means for you: Even in arid regions, rainwater harvesting works — you just need bigger storage and patience. In wet regions like Whitehorse (13" annually), you're mostly limited by how much water you can store between storms.
Annual Collection
6,429 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
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Mar, 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 12.9 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 6,429 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 Whitehorse
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Amend with compost each season to maintain fertility and structure.
Watering Needs
With 13 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
107-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.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Whitehorse
37 vegetables that grow well in Zone 2b with planting dates for Whitehorse.
Show all 37 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth | Apr 13 | Jun 29 | Jul 6 | — | Oct 5 – Nov 23 | 90–120 |
| Beets | — | Jun 8 | — | Jul 8 | Aug 3 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Bok Choy | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Sep 14 – Nov 9 | 90–130 |
| Cabbage | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 60–100 |
| Cauliflower | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 55–100 |
| Celery | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Sep 7 – Nov 2 | 80–120 |
| Chard | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 50–60 |
| Chinese Cabbage | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Sep 7 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 55–75 |
| Cress | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jun 29 – Jul 20 | 14–21 |
| Daikon | — | Jun 8 | — | Jul 8 | Aug 3 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 31 – Oct 12 | 75–100 |
| Kai Lan | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 3 – Aug 31 | 45–60 |
| Kale | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 50–70 |
| Kohlrabi | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 35–50 |
| Lentils | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 19 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 20 – Sep 28 | 30–60 |
| Mache | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 7–21 |
| Mustard Greens | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 55–75 |
| Pac Choi | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Jun 8 | — | Jul 8 | Sep 21 – Nov 2 | 100–130 |
| Peas | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 55–70 |
| Purslane | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | Jun 8 | — | Jul 8 | Jul 6 – Jul 27 | 22–35 |
| Rutabaga | — | Jun 8 | — | Jul 8 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 80–100 |
| Savoy Cabbage | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 70–110 |
| Snap Peas | Apr 13 | Jun 29 | Jul 6 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 26 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 50–65 |
| Spinach | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 35–50 |
| Tatsoi | May 4 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jul 8 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 35–50 |
| Turnip | — | Jun 8 | — | Jul 8 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Whitehorse
4 fruits that grow well in Zone 2b with planting dates for Whitehorse.
Show all 4 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberries | — | — | Jul 13 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jul 13 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jul 13 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jul 13 | — | — | 730–1095 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Whitehorse
3 herbs that grow well in Zone 2b with planting dates for Whitehorse.
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Whitehorse
14 flowers that grow well in Zone 2b with planting dates for Whitehorse.
Show all 14 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Button | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 15 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Mar 23 | — | Jun 29 | — | Sep 7 – Oct 19 | 70–90 |
| Calendula | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 15 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 50–70 |
| Cosmos | May 18 | Jun 22 | Jun 22 | — | Aug 31 – Nov 2 | 60–90 |
| Geraniums | Mar 23 | — | Jun 29 | — | Sep 7 – Oct 26 | 70–100 |
| Impatiens | Apr 6 | — | Jun 29 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 19 | 60–75 |
| Larkspur | — | May 4 | — | — | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Marigolds | Apr 27 | Jul 6 | Jul 6 | — | Aug 31 – Nov 2 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | May 18 | Jun 29 | Jun 29 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 26 | 55–65 |
| Petunia | Apr 6 | — | Jun 29 | — | Sep 21 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Salvia | Apr 6 | — | Jun 29 | — | Sep 7 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 23 | — | Jun 15 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 5 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | May 25 | Jun 29 | Jun 29 | — | Sep 21 – Nov 9 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Pea | Apr 20 | May 18 | Jun 15 | — | Sep 7 – Oct 12 | 65–85 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Whitehorse
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Whitehorse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Whitehorse, YT?
Whitehorse 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 Whitehorse, YT?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Whitehorse falls around June 15. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Whitehorse, YT?
The median first fall frost in Whitehorse arrives around September 30. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Is Whitehorse a good location for home gardening?
Whitehorse scores 79/100 (Good) 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.
Your Whitehorse Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Whitehorse (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