Are you looking to grow a flavourful, hardy and healthy crop in your vegetable garden or allotment? Then growing leeks can be a great option.
Leeks are part of the Allium family and are cousins to onions with almost similar flavour profile. With a high quantity of Vitamin A, C, and K, manganese and fibre, leeks are high in anti-carcinogenic properties and good for heart health, gut health and bone health.
Growing leeks from seed is comparatively cheaper than buying them from the supermarket. They are also fresher, and tastier! You’ll not just have this delicious vegetable for soup and other hearty dinners throughout winter, you’ll also have the satisfaction of growing them yourself.
Leeks can grow in cooler climates and at different times throughout the year. You can get different varieties as well as early, mid and late sowing types. This means that by using a mixture, you could extend and spread out your leek crop harvest time.
Some varieties are hardy enough to be grown during the cold, frosty winter months, but others are happiest grown in early spring or over summer, provided they have enough water.
If you’re wondering when to plant leeks, there isn't a best time. It’s all dependent on your seed variety, the weather, placement, watering and your gardening experience. Whether you’re growing leeks in spring time, around March, or later in the year, around July, the crop yield is relatively similar.
If you are looking for answers on how to plant leeks then this section will be helpful. Leeks are best sown indoors, in modular trays first. Early seedlings will look very delicate like blades of grass. When your leek seedlings are approximately 6 inches and pencil-like, they can be planted outside. Transfer the stronger ones into a well-drained bed in a sunny position.
Leek beds can take up a fair amount of space with some being planted out during March-April and some later; during June-July. Leeks can be left in the ground until you need them, but be careful that they do not become water-logged.
To encourage the width growth of the white part of the leek, use something like a tool handle or similar, to make a 6-inch, deep hole in the soil. Drop your leek into the hole and fill it with water. Do not fill up with soil. The leeks will grow to the size of the hole made and as it grows further you can earth it up, being careful not to get soil in the leaves. You can offer them more support by adding a cardboard tube (such as a toilet roll or similar) whilst they are small.
Leeks can vary in size, and you can pull them up as and when required from late summer through to winter or even the following spring if you have a late variety. Smaller leeks tend to be more tender.
Leeks will require watering during dry spells, but they do not like overly wet conditions, as this causes rot.
To produce good quality leeks, you must pay special attention to preparing the soil. Before planting the leek, you must spend some time prepping the soil. Mix garden compost or manure in the patch where you will be growing leeks. If you find the soil to be acidic, mix some lime in your soil. Leeks can grow in a soil with pH of 6 or less.
Growing leeks can start with table scraps. Instead of planting seeds, when you harvest your leek, simply cut the plant from above the soil level keeping the root intact.
Place the root in a shallow dish about 1-2 inches in depth and keep it submerged in water. You can then place this glass dish in a sunny area and within a week’s time you can see growth appearing. Next, plant them in soil and you’ll have a fresh batch of leeks in a few weeks.
If you notice a bolt or flower, it is best to remove the stalk immediately, when the bud is green and closed. The scapes, which are the flower buds, are actually very delicious to eat and taste similar to asparagus.
Leeks can experience a few problems including rust where the leaves will develop orange rust-like patches, which is a fungal disease. To avoid this, spread your leeks out giving them plenty of space when planting them out. Long wet spells can cause this and unfortunately, we cannot control the weather.
It is important to use well-drained soil and protect them if necessary. If you only have a small rust issue on the leaves, you can probably still use them, but a more serious infection can ruin your crop.
Leaf miner is another common problem, where flies lay eggs in or near the plant and you will find track marks on the leaves and up the plant. You will find small brown pupae in the stems and bulbs. The plant will become dishevelled and rot if it is left. The best way to avoid leaf miners is to protect them with fine mesh from early spring.
Leaf miners can be a problem for other vegetables in the Allium family such as onions and garlic.
Are you wondering when to pick your leeks? You can begin to harvest your leeks during late summer, but if you prefer larger, more mature leeks, you can wait longer. Leeks can stay in the ground for some time, so there is no need to pull them all and store them. Be mindful though that if it is a particularly wet winter, they will be more prone to rot.
Leeks are such a flavoursome vegetable and can be frozen for later use. A particular favourite is leek and potato soup! Leeks are a great addition to casseroles and can be used as a tasty alternative to onions.
It is crucial to clean leeks properly before cooking or eating them.
We are a group of passionate gardeners and allotment growers here at Allotment Online. Growing leeks, or any other vegetable, is an enriching experience which we encourage. Whether you’re a newbie gardener who is looking for some tips and moral support, or you need guidance with a specific challenge, we are here to help.
We would love to hear your personal feedback and suggestions, so register today and share your leek growing journey here!
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