When to plant Leeks in Forsyth,
In Forsyth, plant Leeks in spring between March 26 and April 16, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Forsyth's last frost averages April 9, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 17 and August 31 — roughly 150 days before the first frost on October 26.
When to Plant Leeks in Forsyth, MO
Your June planting checklist for Forsyth, MO
A quick June briefing for Forsyth, MO gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Forsyth, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 865 feet, Taney County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.
Forsyth Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Forsyth
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Taney 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 (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Leeks 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Taney 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 — Forsyth, MO
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Taney County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Forsyth
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 09 in Taney County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
When should I plant Leeks in Forsyth, ?
In Forsyth, , plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Forsyth, for Leeks?
Forsyth sits in USDA Zone 7a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Forsyth's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Forsyth's temperate climate. Forsyth averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.
Your Taney County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Taney County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.