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When to plant Leeks in Wayne County County,

For Leeks in Wayne County County, the safe spring window opens around April 14 and closes around May 5. Last expected frost is April 28, first fall frost October 20, giving a 175-day growing season. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Wayne County, MI

Leeks
Wayne County, Michigan Zone 6b June

Your June planting checklist for Wayne County, Michigan

Your Wayne County, Michigan garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 28
Avg. first frost October 20
Soil temp (4") 73°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.1 hrs
  1. Time to start leeks inside

    A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.

A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
  • 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.

Wayne County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 1,066 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Wayne County, MI (Zone 6b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Leeks Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Oct 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Oct 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 28

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 Wayne County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.9–6.9) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Wayne 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 (5.0%) — 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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 345 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 3" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 3.5" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.5" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.5" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.5" 3.4" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 3.5" 3" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.5" 2.6" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wayne 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 ~2,190 GDD — county provides 3,193 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline — Wayne County, MI

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 – Oct 13
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 Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Leeks in Wayne County

Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 28 in Wayne 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 Wayne County, MI?

Wayne County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, MI?

Wayne County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Leeks in Wayne County, ?

In Wayne County, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wayne County, for Leeks?

Wayne County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in Wayne County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Wayne County's temperate climate. Wayne County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne County (Zone 6b). 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 Wayne County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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