When to Plant Leeks in Green County, KY
May in Green County, Kentucky — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Green County, Kentucky this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Time to start leeks inside
These need a head start before your last frost (April 11). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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.
Green County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 3,262 feet, Green County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Leeks root diseases.
Green County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Green County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Leeks prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Green County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Green 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 Planting Timeline — Green County, KY
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Green County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Green County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 11 in Green 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Green County, KY?
Green County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Green County, KY?
Green County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Green County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Green County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.