When to Plant Leeks in Delaware County, NY
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.
Delaware County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.
Delaware County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.5
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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Delaware County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Leeks Planting Timeline — Delaware County, NY
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Oct 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Delaware County
Growing Tips for Delaware 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 Delaware County, NY?
Delaware County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delaware County, NY?
Delaware County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Delaware County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Delaware County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.