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When to Plant Leeks in Anderson County, SC

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.

Anderson County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 352 feet, Anderson County receives approximately 60.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Leeks, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Leeks root diseases.

Anderson County, SC (Zone 7b) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Anderson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Sep 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Oct 2

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Leeks needs ~2,100 GDD — county provides 3,832 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline โ€” Anderson County, SC

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 14
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Apr 7
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 โ€“ Sep 10
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Sep 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing Harvest
October โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

219 days

Growing Tips for Anderson 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Anderson County, SC?

Anderson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Anderson County, SC?

Anderson County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Anderson County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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