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When to plant Leeks in Wayne County County,

Wayne County County's climate puts the Leeks spring window between March 25 and April 15. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 18 to September 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Wayne 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.

Wayne County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.

At an elevation of 924 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Wayne County, IL (Zone 6b) Long season
202 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
202 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Leeks Planting Timeline — Wayne County, IL

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Sep 23
Fall Sowing August 18 Aug 18 – Sep 1

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 Fall Sowing Harvest
October
November
December

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 6b

📆 Growing Season

202 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Wayne 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 Wayne County, IL?

Wayne County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, IL?

Wayne County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Leeks in Wayne County County, ?

In Wayne County County, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wayne County County, for Leeks?

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

Can Leeks grow in Wayne County County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Wayne County County's temperate climate. Wayne County County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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