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When to plant Leeks in Jefferson County, MS

Spring Leeks in Jefferson County goes in February 26–March 19, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Jefferson County, MS

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.

Jefferson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 82 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Leeks, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Leeks root diseases.

Jefferson County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Leeks Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, MS

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 19
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Aug 27
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

246 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, MS?

Jefferson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, MS?

Jefferson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Leeks in Jefferson County, MS?

In Jefferson County, MS, plant Leeks after the last frost (around March 12) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, MS for Leeks?

Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 246-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 12 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 8b). 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 Jefferson County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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