Blog

When to Plant Leeks in Blaine County, NE

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.

Blaine County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 694 feet, Blaine County receives approximately 29.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.

Blaine County, NE (Zone 4b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Blaine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Oct 1
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 7
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Aug 21 – Oct 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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 193 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Leeks needs ~1,560 GDD — county provides 1,846 GDD Good fit

Leeks Planting Timeline โ€” Blaine County, NE

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 27
Fall Sowing July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Jul 24
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Oct 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Fall Sowing
August 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 4b

Growing Season

142 days

Growing Tips for Blaine 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 Blaine County, NE?

Blaine County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Blaine County, NE?

Blaine County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Blaine County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Blaine County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.