How to grow leeks - Sowing, transplanting, care for the plant and harvesting.
The leek, the national emblem of Wales, is a versatile hardy biennial that is grown as an annual.
It is one of the first vegetables to become available as the winter sets in, and is commonly used in soups, stews and warming wintry casseroles. With its delicate onion-like flavour, it is also delicious in stir-fries, quiches, pies and risottos.
It is one of the first vegetables to become available as the winter sets in, and is commonly used in soups, stews and warming wintry casseroles. With its delicate onion-like flavour, it is also delicious in stir-fries, quiches, pies and risottos.
The leek has many therapeutic properties and is said to help with loss of voice, water retention, kidney problems and a number of stomach and digestive troubles.
Leeks are rich in vitamins B and C and calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and sulphur.
Leeks are rich in vitamins B and C and calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and sulphur.
Cultivating leeks
Growing leeks does require a certain amount of hard work and care to start off with, however once they are set into their permanent bed, apart from a little weeding and watering, leeks are relatively disease-free and undisturbed by garden pests.
Soil conditions for growing leeks
Leeks can more or less be cultivated in any kind of soil but grow best in a good quality, rich and light soil that drains well and has a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5. It should also have plenty of manure or well-rotted compost worked into it but this can be from a previous crop.
Try to plant leeks in a bed that previously held peas, lettuce or cabbage but not leeks.
Try to plant leeks in a bed that previously held peas, lettuce or cabbage but not leeks.
Best climate conditions for growing leeks
Although the leek is a cool weather vegetable, it still requires a temperature of 7°C (46°F) for germination to take place. If temperatures are extremely low, the seeds can be protected with a fleece or grown under a cloche.
For the best results leeks should be planted in an open and sunny spot that is sheltered from winds and bad weather. Temperatures should be in excess of 12°C (54°F) and below 24°C (75°F).
For the best results leeks should be planted in an open and sunny spot that is sheltered from winds and bad weather. Temperatures should be in excess of 12°C (54°F) and below 24°C (75°F).
Soil preparation
The leek seeds will first be planted in a seed bed, yet the permanent site should still be prepared well in advance. Dig the site thoroughly in winter and remove all stones and weeds. Work in some organic matter and rake in a general fertiliser a week before planting.
Sowing the leek seeds
The leek seeds can be sown directly into the permanent bed and then thinned out but the general practice is to sow the seeds first of all into a seed bed and then transplant them later on.
To sow the seeds into a prepared seed bed, drop them at regular intervals into drills that are 1cm (1/2inch) deep and 15cm (6inch) apart. After germination has taken place and the shoots are above the surface, thin the seedlings to 5cm (2inch).
To sow the seeds into a prepared seed bed, drop them at regular intervals into drills that are 1cm (1/2inch) deep and 15cm (6inch) apart. After germination has taken place and the shoots are above the surface, thin the seedlings to 5cm (2inch).
Transplanting the leek seedlings
The leek seedlings will be ready to transplant some time in June or July, when they have reached a height of 20cm (8inch).
Use a dibber or a broom handle to make holes that are between 15 - 22cm (6 - 9inches) deep and 23cm (9inch) apart. Rows should be spaced at 15cm (6inch) away from each other.
Drop the seedlings into the holes and fill the holes with water but not with soil. The soil will fall into the holes and cover the seedlings gradually. The lower leaves must be just above ground level.
As the leeks begin to grow and protrude from under the surface, push dry, fine earth around the stem and up to the bottom leaves. This is how the white of the leek, which is the tastiest part to eat, is achieved. This process should be carried out several times throughout the growing season.
Use a dibber or a broom handle to make holes that are between 15 - 22cm (6 - 9inches) deep and 23cm (9inch) apart. Rows should be spaced at 15cm (6inch) away from each other.
Drop the seedlings into the holes and fill the holes with water but not with soil. The soil will fall into the holes and cover the seedlings gradually. The lower leaves must be just above ground level.
As the leeks begin to grow and protrude from under the surface, push dry, fine earth around the stem and up to the bottom leaves. This is how the white of the leek, which is the tastiest part to eat, is achieved. This process should be carried out several times throughout the growing season.
Caring for the leek plants
Whilst the leeks are growing try to carry out regular hoeing to remove any weeds from the beds. Also water the plants well, especially in hot and dry weather. Mulching around the plants will help to retain moisture.
The leaves of the leek plants should be trimmed a few times in summer and in autumn when they reach approximately 5cm (2inch) so that they do not drag along the ground.
The leaves of the leek plants should be trimmed a few times in summer and in autumn when they reach approximately 5cm (2inch) so that they do not drag along the ground.
Harvesting the leeks
The time between sowing the seeds and harvesting the leeks is anywhere between 30 - 45 weeks depending on the variety. Early varieties will be ready to dig up from October and harvesting will continue all the way through until mid-spring.
An advantage with growing leeks is that they can be left in the ground until required, even throughout winter, with absolutely no loss of quality. They are actually stored better in the ground than out of it.
When you are ready to harvest your leeks, lift them out of the ground very carefully with a garden fork or a spade, always removing the larger leeks first. Do not pull the leeks out with your hands as you may break the vegetable in two. If you do need to dig the leeks up before use, they fare quite well being stored in sand in a cool and dark place for about a month.
An advantage with growing leeks is that they can be left in the ground until required, even throughout winter, with absolutely no loss of quality. They are actually stored better in the ground than out of it.
When you are ready to harvest your leeks, lift them out of the ground very carefully with a garden fork or a spade, always removing the larger leeks first. Do not pull the leeks out with your hands as you may break the vegetable in two. If you do need to dig the leeks up before use, they fare quite well being stored in sand in a cool and dark place for about a month.
