When to plant Leeks in Clearwater County, MN
In Clearwater County, plant Leeks in spring between May 8 and May 29, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Clearwater County's last frost averages May 15, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between July 6 and July 20 — roughly 90–150 days before the first frost on September 28.
When to Plant Leeks in Clearwater County, MN
June to-do list for Clearwater County, Minnesota
Your Clearwater County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: leeks
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
Looking ahead to July
- Fall sowing: 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.
Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 1,074 feet, Clearwater County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.
Clearwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 Clearwater County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clearwater 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 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Leeks 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Clearwater 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 — Clearwater County, MN
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Clearwater County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Clearwater County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after May 15 in Clearwater County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 136.0-day growing season in Clearwater 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Clearwater County, MN?
Clearwater County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clearwater County, MN?
Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Leeks in Clearwater County, MN?
In Clearwater County, MN, plant Leeks after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clearwater County, MN for Leeks?
Clearwater County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Clearwater County's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Clearwater County's temperate climate. Clearwater County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around September 28.
Your Clearwater County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clearwater County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.