How to grow leeks

17th January, 2022

Leek is an edible vegetable that is related to onion, garlic, and scallion. The edible part of the plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths that is often white or pale green in colour. Leek is a cool weather crop and is typically planted in the spring. It takes about three months for leeks to reach maturity.

There are two main types of leeks, those with flat leaves and those with cylindrical leaves. The flat leaf type is more common in Europe while the cylindrical leaf type is more common in Asia. Leeks are grown for their edible leaves and stalks. The leaves can be used fresh or cooked. The stalks can be eaten raw or cooked.

In the autumn before growing the leeks, enrich the soil with garden compost or manure.

To grow big leeks, start with high quality seedlings or bulbs in March or April. Plant the seedlings or bulbs in well-drained soil in an area that gets full sun. They can be grown in a bed away from the main garden to begin with, and grow lettuces or similar in the area whilst the leeks are growing. They can then be moved to the main garden, and put in their final growing positions, after the lettuces are harvested.

Leeks prefer cool weather and will not do well in hot, dry conditions. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. To avoid the fungal disease, leek rust, which can turn parts of the leaves yellow, ensure there is space between leeks to aid aeration, as high humidity can increase the chances of it affecting your leeks.

Start harvesting the leeks when they are about 12 inches tall by gently pulling them from the ground. They can be kept in ther ground until they are needed, so they can be used as a winter crop all through the cold months, and you can use them for Sunday dinners, and to make leek and potato soup.