Gardening in Southeast Alaska and Kodiak Island presents unique challenges: extreme daylight swings, persistent rain, and cool soils challenge traditional growing wisdom. This guide provides tested strategies for creating thriving gardens in these demanding northern environments, from selecting cold-hardy varieties to maximizing the brief but intense growing season.
In rural Alaska, where a single head of lettuce can cost $18 and winter temperatures plunge below -40°F, food security isn’t just a policy concern—it’s a daily challenge for thousands of families. This publication examines how agricultural education could transform Alaska’s food landscape, learning from both the successes and failures of past initiatives. By analyzing Alaska’s unique agricultural history and evaluating previous state-led projects, we present AVI’s innovative educational model: a community-centered approach that aims to build sustainable food systems in even the most remote Alaskan villages. This work comes at a crucial time, as climate change and supply chain disruptions increasingly threaten traditional food sources in rural communities.
