When to Plant Leeks in Douglas 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.
Douglas County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 575 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 28.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Leeks Planting Timeline — Douglas County, NE
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Oct 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–150 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
171 days
Growing Tips for Douglas 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
Level Up Your Garden
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Douglas County, NE?
Douglas County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, NE?
Douglas County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Douglas County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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