Zone 2 Planting Guide
Very Cold — Northern Alaska, Northern Canada, High Rockies
- Min Winter Temp
- -50 to -40 °F / -46 to -40 °C
- Last Spring Frost
- Late May – early June
- First Fall Frost
- Mid August – early September
- Growing Season
- 75–100 days
- Annual Rainfall
- 12–25 in
Climate overview
Gardening in Zone 2 is a study in adaptation. The short but intense summer — lit by 16–18 hours of daylight — allows surprisingly productive vegetable gardens when the right varieties and techniques are used. Cold-hardy perennials exist but must be bred specifically for Zone 2 or colder. Most ornamental and food gardening relies on annuals and season-extension structures. Soil in this zone is often thin, acidic, and slow to warm in spring. Raised beds with dark-colored soil help absorb heat. Mulching aggressively in fall protects any perennial roots from the worst freeze-thaw cycles.
States & regions
- Northern Alaska
- Northern Minnesota (isolated areas)
- High Rocky Mountains
Example cities
- Nome, AK
- Bethel, AK
- International Falls, MN
Soil notes
Thin, acidic soils; slow to warm in spring. Raised beds with amended soil dramatically improve results.
- Temperature range
- -50 to -40 °F / -46 to -40 °C
- Growing season
- 75–100 days
- Annual rainfall
- 12–25 inches
Challenges
- Short frost-free season
- Thin, acidic native soils
- Very limited perennial plant palette
- Rapid temperature swings in spring and fall
Advantages
- Extended summer daylight
- Low pest pressure
- Snow cover insulates perennial roots through winter
Gardening strategies for Zone 2
- 1
Use dark-colored raised beds to maximize soil warming
- 2
Select varieties bred for 70-day or shorter maturity
- 3
Plant cold-hardy perennials like Siberian iris, Arctic willow, and tundra rose
- 4
Mulch perennials heavily (6–8 inches) before first frost
- 5
Use water-filled season-extension devices (Wall-O-Waters) for tomatoes
Monthly planting calendar
What to sow, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 2.
Browse by sun exposure
Find the best plants for your specific spot in Zone 2.
Browse by plant category
Targeted guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers in Zone 2.