When to plant Leeks in Carter County, MT
Carter County's spring Leeks window runs May 8 through May 29. be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. A second sowing from June 30 to July 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Carter County, MT
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.
Carter County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 7,923 feet, Carter County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Leeks successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Carter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Carter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Leeks Planting Timeline — Carter County, MT
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Carter County
Growing Tips for Carter 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Carter County, MT?
Carter County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carter County, MT?
Carter County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 22.
When should I plant Leeks in Carter County, MT?
In Carter County, MT, plant Leeks after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around September 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carter County, MT for Leeks?
Carter County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Carter County's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 130-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around September 22.
Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.