Frost Dates for Palmer, AK 99645
Last spring frost May 20 · First fall frost September 14 · 117 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
ZIP 99645 has about 32,100 people.
Short season: 117 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 8–May 30 (22 days). Fall frost risk spans August 28–September 30 (33 days).
Frost probability for 99645
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 30 | May 20 | May 8 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 28 | September 14 | September 30 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MATANUSKA EXP FARM (19.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 117-day season in Palmer
In Palmer (117 frost-free days, a short season), 33 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 7 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 15 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 75 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 3, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 8 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 75 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 75 available after Jun 3. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 24 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 29–May 6 | 159 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 29. | Jul 13 |
| Cucumber | Apr 29 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 89 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 89 available after Jun 3. | Jun 18 |
| Beans | — | May 27–Jun 10 | 103 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 103 available after May 27. | Jun 25 |
| Peas | — | Mar 25–Jun 3 | 180 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 180 available after Mar 25. | Jul 4 |
| Zucchini | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 89 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 89 available after Jun 3. | Jun 23 |
| Onion | Feb 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 152 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 25–May 13 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 5. | Aug 12 |
| Kale | Mar 11 | Apr 22–May 6 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Broccoli | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 152 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 22. | Jun 19 |
| Cabbage | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 166 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 22. | Jul 13 |
| Radish | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Sep 21. | Aug 13 |
| Beets | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 14 |
| Potatoes | — | May 6–May 13 | 138 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 138 available after May 6. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 14 | 222 | overwinter: Plant Sep 14 to Oct 5; harvest the following summer. | Oct 5 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 15–Jun 10 | 173 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 15; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 22 | May 27–Jun 3 | 89 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 89 available after May 27. | — |
| Pumpkin | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 3 | 82 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 3, the outdoor season is about 18 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 8 | May 13–May 27 | 131 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 131 available after May 13. | Jun 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 25 | May 6–May 6 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 14 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 5. | Aug 12 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 166 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 22. | Jun 13 |
| Butternut Squash | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 82 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 3, the outdoor season is about 18 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 1 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 75 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 75 available after Jun 3. | — |
| Okra | Apr 22 | May 27–Jun 3 | 96 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 96 available after May 27. | Jun 23 |
| Basil | Apr 15 | Jun 10–Jun 10 | 82 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 82 available after Jun 10. | Jun 18 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 22–May 13 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 19 |
| Parsley | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 3 | 117 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 117 available after May 27. | Jun 29 |
| Celery | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 10 | 117 | head-start: Even planted out May 27, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 11 | Apr 22–May 6 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 5. | Aug 2 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 22 | May 13–May 20 | 131 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 24 |
| Collards | Mar 11 | Apr 22–May 6 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Cantaloupe | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 75 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 3, the outdoor season is about 10 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Feb 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 131 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 131 available after May 27. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 14 |
| Oregano | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 3 | 131 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 131 available after May 27. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 117 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 117 available after May 27. | — |
| Sage | Mar 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 131 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 131 available after May 27. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 3 | 131 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 131 available after May 27. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 8 | May 6–May 20 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 19 |
| Cosmos | Apr 22 | May 20–Jun 3 | 103 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 103 available after May 20. | Jun 18 |
| Lavender | Feb 25 | May 20–Jun 3 | 138 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 138 available after May 20. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 8 | May 20–May 27 | 103 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 103 available after May 20. | Jun 28 |
| Melons | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 75 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 3, the outdoor season is about 10 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 138 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 138 available after May 20. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 22 | May 20–May 27 | 103 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 103 available after May 20. | Jun 23 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 27–Jun 10 | 96 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 96 available after May 27. | Jun 13 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 82 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 3, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 103 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 103 available after May 20. | Jun 8 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 82 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 82 available after May 27. | — |
| Watermelon | May 6 | May 27–Jun 3 | 82 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 82 available after May 27. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 89 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 89 available after Jun 3. | Jun 23 |
| Zinnias | Apr 22 | May 20–Jun 3 | 103 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 103 available after May 20. | Jun 18 |
Month by month in Palmer
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 25), Lavender (Feb 25), Onion (Feb 25), Rosemary (Feb 25). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 11), Collards (Mar 11), Kale (Mar 11), Oregano (Mar 11), Parsley (Mar 11), Scallions (Mar 11), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 25), Beets (Mar 25), Dill (Mar 25), Peas (Mar 25), Radish (Mar 25), Spinach (Mar 25). |
| April | Start indoors: Eggplant (Apr 1), Calendula (Apr 8), Cauliflower (Apr 8), Marigolds (Apr 8), Pepper (Apr 8), Basil (Apr 15), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 8), Cilantro (Apr 22), Turnip (Apr 22), Carrots (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 22), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 22), Cabbage (Apr 22), Collards (Apr 22), Kale (Apr 22), Lettuce (Apr 22), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 15). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 6), Cantaloupe (May 6), Melons (May 6), Pumpkin (May 6), Spaghetti Squash (May 6), Watermelon (May 6), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 6), Sunflowers (May 20), Beans (May 27), Pole Beans (May 27). Transplant from: Calendula (May 6), Swiss Chard (May 6), Bok Choy (May 13), Cauliflower (May 13), Cosmos (May 20), Lavender (May 20), +15 more. Last frost around May 20. |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 3), Cantaloupe (Jun 3), Cucumber (Jun 3), Eggplant (Jun 3), Melons (Jun 3), Pepper (Jun 3), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jun 8), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 13), Pole Beans (Jun 13), Basil (Jun 18), Cosmos (Jun 18), Cucumber (Jun 18), +10 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Peas (Jul 4), Cabbage (Jul 13), Carrots (Jul 13), Beets (Jul 14), Dill (Jul 14), Swiss Chard (Jul 14), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Aug 2), Arugula (Aug 12), Spinach (Aug 12), Radish (Aug 13). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 14). First frost around September 14. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 5). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Palmer, AK (ZIP 99645)?
The median last spring frost date for Palmer, AK (ZIP code 99645) is around May 20. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before May 8; one in ten it runs past May 30.
What is the first fall frost date in Palmer, AK?
The median first fall frost date for Palmer, AK is around September 14. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around August 28 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Palmer, AK?
The frost-free growing season in Palmer is about 117 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Palmer (117 frost-free days, a short season), 33 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 7 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Palmer, AK?
Palmer, AK is in USDA hardiness zone 5a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Palmer, AK?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 15 and plant out Jun 3 in Palmer. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Palmer?
Two: plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Sep 21.
When do I plant garlic in Palmer?
Sep 14 to Oct 5; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Palmer?
Yes, with help. Even planted out May 27, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
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