When to plant Leeks in Avery, CA
For Avery, gardeners: plant Leeks March 18 through April 8 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 17 to October 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Avery, CA
Your July game plan for Calaveras County, California
Your garden in Calaveras County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Bring in the leeks
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to August
- First harvests: leeks
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.
Avery, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 2,363 feet, Calaveras County receives approximately 25 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.
Avery Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Leeks 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.
Soil Compatibility in Avery
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is more alkaline than Leeks prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Calaveras County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Leeks Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.7" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.3" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Calaveras 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 Planting Timeline — Avery, CA
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Calaveras County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Avery
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 08 in Calaveras 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
When should I plant Leeks in Avery, CA?
In Avery, CA, plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Avery, CA for Leeks?
Avery sits in USDA Zone 9a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Avery's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Avery's temperate climate. Avery averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around November 12.
Your Calaveras County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Calaveras County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.