When to plant Leeks in Madison County County,
Madison County County's spring Leeks window runs May 17 through June 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 3 to July 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Madison County, ID
June in Madison County, Idaho — your action list
Your garden in Madison County, Idaho is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- Starting indoors: leeks
- Fall sowing: 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.
Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.
At an elevation of 6,385 feet, Madison County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Leeks successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 Madison County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Madison County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 10 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Madison 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 — Madison County, ID
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 30 | Aug 30 – Nov 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 3 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
103 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Madison County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after May 31 in Madison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 103.0-day growing season in Madison County is tight for Leeks (90.0-150.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Madison County, ID?
Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, ID?
Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 11.
When should I plant Leeks in Madison County County, ?
In Madison County County, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County County, for Leeks?
Madison County County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Madison County County's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Madison County County's temperate climate. Madison County County averages a 103-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 11.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.