When to plant leeks in Memphis, Tennessee
February 19 – March 5
Transplant outdoors · typical Memphis yearClimate basis: NOAA station W Memphis, AR (USC00037712), 7 mi (12 km) from downtown Memphis (ZCTA 38103 centroid), elevation 215 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant leeks outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 19). One year in ten still freezes after April 7.
The Memphis year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 7
Every method, with its sources
Start seeds indoors
Dec 11 – Dec 25Sow 8–10 weeks before the set-out window opens (UNH: time from seed to transplant 8–10 weeks). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 19). University of New Hampshire Extension
Transplant outdoors
Feb 19 – Mar 5UNH: safe to set out 4 weeks before the last frost; Purdue's hardy class allows 4–6 weeks before. The later UNH start is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 19). University of New Hampshire Extension · Purdue University Extension
Direct-sow outdoors
Not calculatedLeeks are typically transplanted (Purdue marks leek 'typically transplanted'); the cited guides do not time direct sowing.
These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.
Crop rule sources (2)
- University of New Hampshire Extension: Growing Vegetables: When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden [fact sheet] (accessed 2026-07-24)Per-crop 'time from seed to transplant' and 'safe to set out in garden' relative to last frost.
- Purdue University Extension: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W) (accessed 2026-07-24)Hardiness classes: hardy = plant 4-6 wk before last spring frost; semi-hardy = 2-4 wk before; tender = after average last frost; very tender = at least 2 wk after. Table 2: fall planting at least 4-8 wk before first fall frost.