Blog

When to Plant Leeks in Camas County, ID

Leeks are a mild, sweet allium that produces long white shanks. They are more refined than onions and are a key ingredient in soups, stews, and gratins.

Camas County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 5,406 feet, Camas County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Camas County, ID (Zone 5a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Camas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Oct 14
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Oct 18
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 27 Transplant: Jun 1 🍅 Harvest: Aug 31 – Nov 16

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 674 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Leeks needs ~1,830 GDD — county provides 2,333 GDD Good fit

Leeks Planting Timeline โ€” Camas County, ID

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 10
Fall Sowing July 25 Jul 25 โ€“ Aug 8
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Oct 18

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Fall Sowing
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“150 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

153 days

Growing Tips for Camas County

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant into trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to increase the white portion. Harvest as needed.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Camas County, ID?

Camas County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Camas County, ID?

Camas County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Camas County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Camas County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.