When to plant Leeks in Alachua County, FL
Aim to plant Leeks in Alachua County on or after February 2; the window stays open through February 23. Alachua County's 278-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Alachua County, FL
Top priorities for Alachua County, Florida gardeners in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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It's harvest week for leeks
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Leeks may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Leeks will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Alachua County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.1
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 Alachua County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.1) is more acidic than Leeks prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Alachua County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Leeks will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Leeks.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 6/10 — 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua 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 — Alachua County, FL
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 23 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Alachua County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Alachua County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after February 23 in Alachua County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Alachua County dries quickly — mulch Leeks with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Alachua County, provide afternoon shade for Leeks and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Leeks in Alachua County, FL?
In Alachua County, FL, plant Leeks after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alachua County, FL for Leeks?
Alachua County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Alachua County's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Alachua County's temperate climate. Alachua County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.
Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua 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.