When to Plant Leeks in Hot Springs County, WY
Your May planting checklist for Hot Springs County, Wyoming
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Plant out leeks
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Plant leeks from seed, right in the garden
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Hot Springs County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 8,162 feet, Hot Springs County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.
Hot Springs County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 Hot Springs County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) is more alkaline than Leeks prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Hot Springs 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 (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Hot Springs 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 — Hot Springs County, WY
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 4b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Hot Springs County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Hot Springs County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after May 11 in Hot Springs County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 144.0-day growing season in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs County, WY?
Hot Springs County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hot Springs County, WY?
Hot Springs County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Hot Springs County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hot Springs County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.