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When to plant Leeks in Jerusalem, AR

In Zone 8a (Jerusalem), direct-sow Leeks between March 18 and April 8 for spring, after the April 1 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 21 to September 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Jerusalem, AR

Leeks
Conway County, Arkansas Zone 8a July

Top priorities for Conway County, Arkansas gardeners in July

July is a pivotal month for Conway County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost April 1
Avg. first frost October 30
Soil temp (4") 87°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.2 hrs
  1. Pick leeks

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

Before August arrives, get these ready
  • First harvests: leeks
  • Fall sowing: leeks

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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.

Jerusalem, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.

At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Conway County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Jerusalem, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
212 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
212 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

Jerusalem Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Leeks Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Sep 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Sep 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Oct 1

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.

Soil Compatibility in Jerusalem

How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Conway County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.

How to Plant Leeks

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Leeks Water Budget

Plant needs
0.8″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Leeks

Leeks needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Leeks Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3.5" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.5" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.5" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.5" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.5" 3.4" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.5" 3.1" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Conway County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Leeks Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Leeks needs ~2,190 GDD — county provides 3,869 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline — Jerusalem, AR

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 8
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Sep 16
Fall Sowing August 21 Aug 21 – Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

90–150 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

212 days in Conway County

Growing Tips for Leeks in Jerusalem

Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 01 in Conway County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Leeks in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Leeks in Jerusalem, AR?

In Jerusalem, AR, plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jerusalem, AR for Leeks?

Jerusalem sits in USDA Zone 8a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in Jerusalem's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Jerusalem's temperate climate. Jerusalem averages a 212-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around October 30.

🌱

Your Conway County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Conway County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Conway County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.