When to Plant Leeks in Fairview, OR
This month in Multnomah County, Oregon
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Multnomah County, Oregon.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Fairview, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 357 feet, Multnomah County receives approximately 35.9 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.
Fairview Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.3
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 Fairview
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.3) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Multnomah County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Leeks.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Leeks will thrive.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 8 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 | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0.6" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0.7" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Multnomah 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 — Fairview, OR
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
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 | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Multnomah County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Fairview
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 14 in Multnomah 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
Your Multnomah County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Multnomah County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.