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When to plant Leeks in Bay County, MI

Plant Leeks in Bay County after May 10; the prime window is April 26–May 17. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Bay County, MI

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.

Bay County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 835 feet, Bay County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Bay County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Bay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Leeks Planting Timeline — Bay County, MI

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 19
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 – May 17
Harvest August 9 Aug 9 – Oct 25
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

150 days in Bay County

Growing Tips for Bay 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 Bay County, MI?

Bay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bay County, MI?

Bay County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Leeks in Bay County, MI?

In Bay County, MI, plant Leeks after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bay County, MI for Leeks?

Bay 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 Bay County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Bay County's temperate climate. Bay County averages a 150-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Bay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bay 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 Bay County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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