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When to plant Leeks in Fulton County County,

For Fulton County County, gardeners: plant Leeks April 6 through April 27 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Fulton County, IL

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.

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.

Fulton County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16
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Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Leeks

Leeks needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Leeks Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Leeks Planting Timeline — Fulton County, IL

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 – Oct 5
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–150 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

179 days in Fulton County

Growing Tips for Fulton County

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 Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Leeks in Fulton County County, ?

In Fulton County County, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fulton County County, for Leeks?

Fulton County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in Fulton County County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Fulton County County's temperate climate. Fulton County County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 6a). 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 Fulton County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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