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When to Plant Leeks in Ackerly, TX

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.

Ackerly, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.

At an elevation of 4,748 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Leeks may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Leeks will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Ackerly, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
223 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
223 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Ackerly Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.4

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 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Leeks Planting Timeline — Ackerly, TX

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 8
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Sep 16
Fall Sowing September 1 Sep 1 – Sep 15

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 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 8a

📆 Growing Season

223 days in Dawson County

Growing Tips for Ackerly

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 →

🌱

Your Dawson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dawson County (Zone 8a). 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 Dawson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.