When to plant Leeks in Au Gres, MI
Au Gres's spring Leeks window runs April 28 through May 19. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Au Gres, MI
July to-do list for Arenac County, Michigan
July is a pivotal month for Arenac County, Michigan gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Plant your fall garden: leeks
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Au Gres, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 1,015 feet, Arenac County receives approximately 30.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.
Au Gres Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Leeks 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 Au Gres
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Arenac County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Leeks.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Leeks will thrive.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Leeks Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Arenac 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 — Au Gres, MI
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Arenac County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Au Gres
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after May 12 in Arenac County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 147.0-day growing season in Arenac County is tight for Leeks (90.0-150.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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
When should I plant Leeks in Au Gres, MI?
In Au Gres, MI, plant Leeks after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Au Gres, MI for Leeks?
Au Gres sits in USDA Zone 5b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Au Gres's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Au Gres's temperate climate. Au Gres averages a 147-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around October 6.
Your Arenac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Arenac 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.