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When to plant Leeks in Forsyth County County,

Plant Leeks in Forsyth County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 8. Continue planting through March 29 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Forsyth County, GA

Leeks
Forsyth County, Georgia Zone 8a June

June in the garden — Forsyth County, Georgia

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

Avg. last frost March 22
Avg. first frost November 13
Soil temp (4") 78°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.3 hrs
  1. Pick leeks

    Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.

Coming up in July — start thinking about
  • First harvests: 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.

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 59 feet, Forsyth County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, 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.

Forsyth County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Forsyth County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Leeks Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Sep 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 23

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 Forsyth County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 3.5" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3.5" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.5" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.5" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.5" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.5" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 3.5" 3.1" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.5" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Forsyth 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 ~2,010 GDD — county provides 3,953 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline — Forsyth County, GA

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Sep 6
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August 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

236 days in Forsyth County

Growing Tips for Leeks in Forsyth County

Direct sow Leeks outdoors after March 22 in Forsyth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Forsyth County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Leeks. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Leeks in Forsyth County, ?

In Forsyth County, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Forsyth County, for Leeks?

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

Can Leeks grow in Forsyth County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Forsyth County's temperate climate. Forsyth County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Forsyth County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Forsyth 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 Forsyth County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.