When to Plant Leeks in Union County, TN
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.
Union County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 1,122 feet, Union County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.6
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Leeks Planting Timeline — Union County, TN
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
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 | 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, TN?
Union County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, TN?
Union County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.