Blog

When to Plant Leeks in Marion County, OH

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.

Marion County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 733 feet, Marion County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Marion County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.2

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Leeks Planting Timeline — Marion County, OH

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Oct 11
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Marion 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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Marion County, OH?

Marion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, OH?

Marion County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 20.

🌱

Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marion County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.