Blog

When to Plant Leeks in Thompson, UT

Leeks
Thompson, UT Zone 6b June

June to-do list for Thompson, UT

Your garden in Thompson, UT is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost April 19
Avg. first frost October 13
Soil temp (4") 57°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.7 hrs
July prep starts now
  • First harvests: leeks

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Thompson, Utah is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 5,415 feet, Grand County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

Thompson, UT (Zone 6b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13
Share this guide:

Thompson Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Leeks Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Oct 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Oct 22

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 Thompson

How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4–7.9) is more alkaline than Leeks prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Grand County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Leeks.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.

How to Plant Leeks

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Leeks Water Budget

Plant needs
0.8″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 930 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 2.2" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 3.5" 2.9" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 3.5" 1.5" 2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 3.5" 2.4" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 3.5" 2.1" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 3.5" 1.8" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.5" 2.1" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grand 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 needs ~2,190 GDD — county provides 3,230 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline — Thompson, UT

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Oct 4
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December
Share this guide:

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

90–150 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Grand County

Growing Tips for Leeks in Thompson

Direct sow Leeks outdoors after April 19 in Grand 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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌱

Your Grand County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Grand County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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