When to Plant Leeks in McCook County, SD
May in McCook County, South Dakota — your action list
A quick May briefing for McCook County, South Dakota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Plant out leeks
Frost risk is low now in McCook County, South Dakota. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: 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.
McCook County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 926 feet, McCook County receives approximately 28.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.
McCook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 McCook County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Leeks prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McCook County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in McCook 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 — McCook County, SD
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Oct 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
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
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in McCook County
Growing Tips for Leeks in McCook County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after May 06 in McCook County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 152.0-day growing season in McCook County is tight for Leeks (90.0-150.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in McCook County, SD?
McCook County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCook County, SD?
McCook County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your McCook County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McCook County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.