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When to plant Leeks in Itasca County County,

The best window to plant Leeks in Itasca County County, is May 3–May 24, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 10; first frost October 1. A second sowing from July 9 to July 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Itasca County, MN

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.

Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.

At an elevation of 506 feet, Itasca County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.

Itasca County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
144 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1
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Itasca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Leeks Planting Timeline — Itasca County, MN

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest August 9 Aug 9 – Oct 4
Fall Sowing July 9 Jul 9 – Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December
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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 4a

📆 Growing Season

144 days in Itasca County

Growing Tips for Itasca 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 Itasca County, MN?

Itasca County is in Zone 4a 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 Itasca County, MN?

Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 1.

When should I plant Leeks in Itasca County County, ?

In Itasca County County, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Itasca County County, for Leeks?

Itasca County County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in Itasca County County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Itasca County County's temperate climate. Itasca County County averages a 144-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 1.

🌱

Your Itasca County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Itasca County (Zone 4a). 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 Itasca County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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