|
Although they are members of the onion family, the leek has a more delicate and somewhat sweeter flavor than its onion cousins. Its development is quite different to that of the onion or garlic to which it is related. Leeks do not form bulbs, nor do they produce cloves. The leek forms an edible 6-10 inch long stem which is round with a diameter of about 2 inches. However, the leaves are similar to those of garlic; they are flat and fanned instead of round, and hollow like onion leaves. Leeks come in a range of varieties with differing times of maturity to ensure the widest cropping period. The most common leek cultivars are the “summer leeks”. They are meant for harvest in the season in which they are planted. Overwintering leeks are sown in the late summer and are usually not harvested until the following spring. How To Grow Leeks Growing leeks is not any more complicated than growing any other garden vegetable. Leeks are very easy to start from seed and should be started about 8 weeks before planting outside. Prior to planting your leek seeds in your garden, you should harden them off by placing them inside a cold frame or moving them from inside to a well-protected outside area. Because leeks take 2.5-4 months to grow, they’re normally planted as seedlings in the above method, allowing you to get a headstart on the warm weather by growing indoors. But it’s also feasible to plant the seeds directly into your garden. Leek Soil Preparation One of the main things to keep in mind about leeks is that they are a cool season crop. Although they are tolerant of hot summers, you may sacrifice some quality and may not get the same result as you would in a cool summer climate. To prepare your soil you will want to fertilize it with lots of compost, with ½ to ¼ cup of complete organic fertilizer worked into each 6” furrow. Leeks are light to medium feeders, and you should side-dress them in late May or June using a high nitrogen fertilizer e.g. cottonseed meal or nitrate of soda. Planting Instructions For Your Leek Seeds When your soil is properly prepared you will be ready to plant your seeds. Hold off until early to mid-spring to begin sowing leek seed, depending on the type of weather in your area. The seeds can be sown in a seed bed for transplanting in summer, or they can be sown in their permanent positions. If you sow in a seed bed, you will have the additional job of transplanting. Keep in mind this method is balanced by the fact that when sown in their permanent position the seeds will take up a lot of space before they produce results. Sow leek seed thinly, about ¼ inch deep, and cover the seeds with sifted soil. Germination should take about 14-21 days, and you should begin to thin about 6-7 weeks from sowing, when the plants are no more than thin green shoots. Thin to about 2 inches the first time, and when they become a somewhat more stable in growth, thin to about 4 inches. Harvesting Your Leeks Leeks can be harvested when they are 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Use a garden fork to loosen up the dirt close to the leeks. Push the fork in parallel, close to the row, pull back the handle, and force the soil to loosen up around the plant then pull it up by the leaves. Leeks have large root systems, so digging is usually the preferred method when it’s time to harvest. Their varieties can vary in their maturity times. Leek plants can be harvested in as early as 60 days after planting, but generally require 100-110 days to really mature. Lastly, learn more about growing leeks, including the different varieties and potential problems and pests you may encounter, on my website Vegetable Gardens Made Easy.
Related Articles -
growing leeks, grow leeks,
| 
