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When to Plant Leeks in Douglas County, OR

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.

Douglas County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.

At an elevation of 377 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Leeks root diseases.

Douglas County, OR (Zone 8b) Long season
215 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
215 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Douglas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.4

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 8.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 6.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 7.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Leeks Planting Timeline — Douglas County, OR

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 19
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing Harvest
October
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

215 days in Douglas County

Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, OR?

Douglas County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Douglas County, OR?

Douglas County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 5.

🌱

Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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