When to Plant Leeks in Tippah County, MS
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Indoor seed-starting week for leeks
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Tippah County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.
At an elevation of 62 feet, Tippah County receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Tippah County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 Tippah County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Tippah County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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
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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Tippah 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 — Tippah County, MS
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
212 days in Tippah County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Tippah County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after March 31 in Tippah County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Tippah County's clay soil (33% 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
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 Tippah County, MS?
Tippah County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tippah County, MS?
Tippah County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Tippah County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tippah County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.