When to Plant Turnip in Southeast Fairbanks, 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.
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 Turnip 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.
Plant Water Budget
Turnip Planting Timeline — Southeast Fairbanks, AK
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 15 |
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 Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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
72 days
Growing Tips for Southeast Fairbanks
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
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Southeast Fairbanks, AK?
Southeast Fairbanks is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of June 6. Plan your Turnip 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.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Southeast Fairbanks gardeners in Zone 2a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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