USDA Hardiness Zone 1 is the coldest planting zone in the United States. It’s mainly found in interior Alaska. In Zone 1, winter temperatures can drop below -60°F (-51.1°C). The growing season is very short, usually from early June to late August. The Zone is further diveded to zone 1a and zone 1b.
The short growing season limits what you can grow. It’s important to choose cold-resistant crops and use methods like greenhouses to extend the growing time.
Best Vegetables to Grow
This is the best vegetables to plant in Zone 1:
Boccoli: This cold-resistant vegetable thrives in low temperatures and can be planted early in the season. See this page for more information.
- Cabbage: Hardy and quick-growing, cabbage is a reliable crop in short seasons.
- Radishes: These fast-growing root vegetables do well in cool weather and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
- Brussels Sprouts: A slow-growing but cold-hardy vegetable that can handle the colder weather as fall approaches.
- Chives: This herb is easy to grow and withstands low temperatures.
- Dill: Dill is another herb that can be direct sown once the frost has passed.
- Kale: Kale is one of the most cold-tolerant vegetables and can even survive light frost. See this page for more information on planting kale.
- Lettuce:A fast-growing, cold-tolerant crop.
Find In-depth growing guides for cold hardy plants here:
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Optimal Planting Dates
The growing season is lasting only from early June to late August. Timing is crucial to ensure your crops have enough time to grow before the cold returns. Below are the optimal 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 |
| 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 gives your plants the best chance to mature during the brief summer months.
Using Mulch for better results
Mulch acts as a protective blanket, covering the soil and regulating its temperature. In cold climates, where nights can be chilly even in the middle of summer, this is key. A good layer of organic mulch, like straw, leaves, or compost, helps insulate the soil, keeping plant roots warmer during those early spring and late fall temperature dips. It gives you a little more growing time, which can make all the difference when the season is short.
Mulch doesn’t just insulate the soil—it locks in moisture. By reducing evaporation, mulch keeps your plants hydrated for longer, so you spend less time watering. This is especially helpful in raised beds or containers, where the soil tends to dry out faster.
Mulching also helps with weed control. Weeds steal water and nutrients from your vegetables, and in a short season, that’s something you can’t afford. A thick layer of mulch stops weeds from sprouting, saving you time and effort.
As mulch breaks down, it feeds the soil, adding organic matter that improves fertility. Choose mulch based on your garden’s needs—straw, leaves, or compost are all great options for retaining warmth and moisture. In windy areas, consider securing mulch with stones or using heavier materials like bark chips.
Rather than buying new mulch every year, creating your own supply can cut down on long-term costs. You can use an electric chipper to break down organic material from your yard to create mulch, reducing reliance on store-bought products and yard professionals.
The Sun Joe CJ603E Wood Chipper is an affordable and effective option for creating mulch from branches up to 1.7 inches thick. It’s available for $199. Check the latest price on Amazon.
Extending the Season
In cold climates, extending the short growing season takes some effort, but it’s doable. Here are practical ways to keep your crops growing longer, along with costs to consider:
Use greenhouses or cold frames to get an early start in spring and keep plants growing into the fall. Cold frames are affordable, using sunlight to warm the soil without extra energy.
Greenhouses offer more control but come with higher costs, especially if heating or lighting is needed. Consider the impact of energy prices if you’ll need to use extra heat or light due to fewer sun hours.
Frost guards are another option, but their real cost isn’t just in the initial purchase. You’ll need to factor in the ongoing electricity costs each time they’re used to protect crops from frost. Make sure to weigh this cost based on how often you’ll need them, especially in regions with frequent cold snaps.
In windy areas, set up windbreaks to protect your plants from cold winds. Simple barriers like burlap or temporary fencing can reduce the stress cold winds place on your crops and improve the effectiveness of frost protection.
Planting in raised beds or containers also extends the growing season. Raised beds warm up faster in the spring and stay warm longer in the fall, while containers offer the flexibility to move plants to sunnier or more sheltered spots.
Balancing costs like heating, lighting, and frost protection depends on how long you want to extend your growing season and which crops you’re focusing on. A small investment in these methods can be worth it if it gives you several extra weeks of harvest, but remember to consider ongoing energy expenses.
States that fall in under Zone 1
- 1a and 1b: Alaska
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