Zone 2a and 2b cover some of the coldest regions in the U.S., including parts of Alaska (Fort Yukon, Coldfoot), northern Minnesota (International Falls), northern Montana, and the Canadian border regions of North Dakota and Wyoming. Winter temperatures in these areas range from -50°F to -40°F.
Despite the harsh conditions, it’s possible to grow a variety of vegetables using the right methods. The growing season lasts from early June to early September.
By growing cold-hardy crops and using tools like greenhouses and frost guards helps maximize the limited growing time.
Best Vegetables to Grow in Zone 2
Even though Zone 2 has a short growing season, several vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures. Here are the best crops for the area:
- Broccoli: Cold-hardy and able to handle frost, broccoli does well with early planting. See more about planting broccoli.
- Cabbage: Fast-growing and well-suited to cool temperatures.
- Carrots: Carrots can be direct-sown after frost.
- Radishes: Radishes grow quickly and fit the short growing season.
- Brussels Sprouts: Slow-growing but cold-resistant, they do well even in cooler weather.
- Dill: Dill can be direct-sown after the frost ends.
- Chives: Chives are cold-resistant and great for early spring planting.
- Kale: Known for its cold tolerance, kale can handle light frost. Learn more about planting kale.
- Lettuce: Thrives in cool conditions and grows quickly, making it a perfect match for Zone 2.
Find In-depth growing guides for cold hardy plants here:
Optimal Planting Dates
Proper timing is important in Zone 2. Indoor seed starting is necessary to give crops enough time to mature. Here’s a table of planting dates for key vegetables:
| Vegetable | Planting Indoors | Transplant Outdoors | Direct Sow Outdoors | Harvest Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Early March | Early June | Not Recommended | Late July – September |
| Cabbage | Early March | Early June | Not Recommended | Late July – September |
| Carrots | N/A | N/A | Early June | August – September |
| Radishes | N/A | N/A | Early June | July – August |
| Brussels Sprouts | Early March | Early June | Not Recommended | Late July – September |
| Chives | Mid-March | Early June | Not Recommended | Late July – September |
| Dill | N/A | N/A | Early June | July – August |
| Kale | Early March | Early June | Not Recommended | Late July – September |
Starting seeds indoors and transplanting them at the right time ensures your plants have enough time to mature during the short summer months.
Using Mulch for Better Results
Mulch helps protect plants from the cold and conserves moisture, which is vital in Zone 2. A thick layer of straw or wood chip mulch insulates the soil, keeping plant roots warm during the cool nights of early summer and late fall. This extra insulation gives you more growing time, which matters when the season is short.
Mulch also locks in moisture by reducing evaporation, which is especially important in raised beds and containers. Additionally, mulch helps suppress weeds, so your crops can thrive without competition.
As mulch breaks down, it enriches the soil with organic matter, making it more fertile. Choose mulch that fits your needs—straw, wood chips, or leaves. In windy areas, secure the mulch with heavier materials like bark chips or stones to prevent it from blowing away.
Extending the Season
To make the most of the short growing season in Zone 2, it’s important to use various methods to extend your harvest:
- Use greenhouses or cold frames: These help get an early start in spring and protect plants into the fall.
- Frost guards: Protect plants from sudden temperature drops. Be mindful of electricity costs if using these frequently.
- Windbreaks: Create barriers like burlap or temporary fencing to shield crops from cold winds.
- Raised beds or containers: Raised beds warm up faster in spring and hold heat longer into the fall. Containers offer flexibility in moving plants to sunny spots as needed.
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USDA Hardiness Zone 2 is divided into two subzones, Zone 2a and Zone 2b, which are differentiated by the range of winter temperatures they experience:
- Zone 2a: Temperatures in this subzone range between -50°F and -45°F (-45.6°C to -42.8°C). This is the colder part of Zone 2.
- Zone 2b: This subzone experiences slightly milder winter temperatures, ranging between -45°F and -40°F (-42.8°C to -40°C).
These subzones are primarily found in areas like interior Alaska and parts of northern Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana. The difference in temperature between 2a and 2b can slightly affect the growing conditions, but both zones are still very cold and have similar challenges in terms of short growing seasons and extreme winter conditions.
states that fall in under Zone 2
I'm passionate about cultivating greens in all forms: from kitchen garden to fruit and berry trees. I am also enthusiastic
about creating high-quality soil by utilizing household compost. View Author page
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