When to Plant Leeks in Sharkey County, MS
Top priorities for Sharkey County, Mississippi gardeners in May
A quick May briefing for Sharkey County, Mississippi gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Sharkey County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 460 feet, Sharkey County receives approximately 55.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Sharkey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Sharkey County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Sharkey County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Leeks.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sharkey 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 — Sharkey County, MS
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| 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
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Sharkey County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Sharkey County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after March 05 in Sharkey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Sharkey County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Leeks. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Sharkey County, MS?
Sharkey County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sharkey County, MS?
Sharkey County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Sharkey County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sharkey 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.