When to plant Leeks in Whiteside County, IL
For Leeks in Whiteside County, the safe spring window opens around April 2 and closes around April 23. Last expected frost is April 16, first fall frost October 16, giving a 183-day growing season. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Whiteside County, IL
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.
Whiteside County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 682 feet, Whiteside County receives approximately 30.2 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.
Whiteside County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Leeks Planting Timeline — Whiteside County, IL
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Oct 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Whiteside County
Growing Tips for Whiteside 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Whiteside County, IL?
Whiteside County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Whiteside County, IL?
Whiteside County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Leeks in Whiteside County, IL?
In Whiteside County, IL, plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Whiteside County, IL for Leeks?
Whiteside County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Whiteside County's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Whiteside County's temperate climate. Whiteside County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 16.
Your Whiteside County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Whiteside County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.