PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant leeks in New York, New York

March 2 – March 16

Transplant outdoors · typical New York year

Climate basis: NOAA station New York Cntrl Pk Twr, NY (USW00094728), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown New York (ZCTA 10007 centroid), elevation 130 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 30). One year in ten still freezes after April 9.

Last spring freezeMarch 301-in-10 after Apr 9
First fall freezeNovember 201-in-10 before Nov 6
Frost-free season≈ 236 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 19 – Dec 1kills even hardy greens

The New York year

Start seeds indoorsDec 22 – Jan 5
Transplant outdoorsMar 2 – Mar 16
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 9
Leeks in New York · freeze context from New York Cntrl Pk Twr, NY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Dec 22 – Jan 5

Sow 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 30). University of New Hampshire Extension

Transplant outdoors

Mar 2 – Mar 16

UNH: 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 30). University of New Hampshire Extension · Purdue University Extension

Direct-sow outdoors

Not calculated

Leeks 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.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

Keep exploring

This crop, other cities
Related crops in New York
Local overview