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When to plant Leeks in Pottawatomie County, KS

Pottawatomie County gardeners should plant Leeks between April 1 and April 22 in spring. With Pottawatomie County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 15), Leeks needs 90–150 days to mature — plant by May 23 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Pottawatomie County, KS

Leeks
Pottawatomie County, Kansas Zone 6a June

This month in Pottawatomie County, Kansas

Welcome to June in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost April 15
Avg. first frost October 20
Soil temp (4") 74°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs
July will be here before you know it — start on
  • First harvests: leeks

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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.

Pottawatomie County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 625 feet, Pottawatomie County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Pottawatomie County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Pottawatomie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Leeks Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 16

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 Pottawatomie County

How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) is more alkaline than Leeks prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Pottawatomie County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Leeks will thrive.

How to Plant Leeks

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Leeks Water Budget

Plant needs
0.8″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 234 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 3.4" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 3.5" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.5" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.5" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.5" 3.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.5" 2.7" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.5" 2" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pottawatomie 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 needs ~1,740 GDD — county provides 2,726 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline — Pottawatomie County, KS

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 – Sep 30
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

188 days in Pottawatomie County

Growing Tips for Leeks in Pottawatomie County

Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 15 in Pottawatomie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Pottawatomie County, KS?

Pottawatomie County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pottawatomie County, KS?

Pottawatomie County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Leeks in Pottawatomie County, KS?

In Pottawatomie County, KS, plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pottawatomie County, KS for Leeks?

Pottawatomie 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 Pottawatomie County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Pottawatomie County's temperate climate. Pottawatomie County averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Pottawatomie County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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