When to Plant Turnip in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
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.
Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 116 days.
At an elevation of 2,540 feet, Fairbanks North Star Borough receives approximately 29.3 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.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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.
Plant Water Budget
Turnip Planting Timeline — Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Fall Sowing | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 2a
Growing Season
116 days
Growing Tips for Fairbanks North Star Borough
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
Level Up Your Garden
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?
Fairbanks North Star Borough is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?
Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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