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When to plant Leeks in Scott County County,

Scott County County's climate puts the Leeks spring window between March 31 and April 21. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Scott 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.

Scott County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 987 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.

Scott County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17
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Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Leeks Planting Timeline — Scott County, IL

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 – Sep 29
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

186 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, IL?

Scott County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, IL?

Scott County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Leeks in Scott County County, ?

In Scott County County, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County County, for Leeks?

Scott 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 Scott County County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Scott County County's temperate climate. Scott County County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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