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When to Plant Leeks in Calhoun 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.

Calhoun County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 447 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 51.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Leeks will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Leeks root diseases.

Calhoun County, SC (Zone 8a) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 17
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Aug 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Sep 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Sep 15

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
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 259 gal / 100 sq ft
Leeks needs ~2,280 GDD — county provides 4,655 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline โ€” Calhoun County, SC

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 10 Feb 10 โ€“ Feb 24
Transplant Outdoors March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Mar 31
Direct Sow March 3 Mar 3 โ€“ Mar 24
Fall Sowing September 8 Sep 8 โ€“ Sep 22
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 โ€“ Sep 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August 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 8a

Growing Season

245 days

Growing Tips for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, SC?

Calhoun County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, SC?

Calhoun County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Calhoun County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Calhoun County, SC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.