Blog

When to Plant Leeks in Stevens County, KS

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.

Stevens County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,123 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Stevens County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Stevens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Oct 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (12 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Oct 19

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,054 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Leeks needs ~1,740 GDD — county provides 2,595 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline โ€” Stevens County, KS

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 27
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Aug 21
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 โ€“ Oct 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
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 6b

Growing Season

179 days

Growing Tips for Stevens 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 Stevens County, KS?

Stevens County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stevens County, KS?

Stevens County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Stevens County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Stevens County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.